Choice and acceptability matter
Guidance recognises that emollients need to be acceptable enough to use.
Patients and families
For patients and families
This page explains the campaign in patient-facing language without giving treatment advice or collecting health information.
What this is about
The campaign is about the prescribing system, not telling you what to use.
It asks what should happen when a prescribed emollient is not tolerated, not used, or does not work well enough for an individual patient.
Experience can identify patterns
Patient reports can show where pathways break down, but they are not treatment proof.
Cost claims need evidence
Downstream NHS cost and product-specific claims need source work before being stated as fact.
Unsuitable emollient
Unsuitable can mean more than personal preference.
It may include stinging, irritation, texture, greasiness, fragrance sensitivity, skin reaction, non-use, or practical difficulty using the product consistently.
Documenting experience
Documenting what happened can matter.
The campaign encourages accurate records of tolerance, use, and outcomes when patients discuss care with qualified clinicians.
- Record what was prescribed and what made it hard to use.
- Separate symptoms, side effects, preferences, and practical barriers where possible.
- Discuss documented reactions or non-use with a GP, pharmacist, nurse, dermatologist, or other qualified clinician.
What this site cannot do
This site cannot provide individual care advice.
It cannot assess symptoms, recommend products, compare treatment options for you, or respond to urgent health concerns.
Next step
Use this site to understand the campaign, not to change treatment.
The policy argument is about recording failure, reviewing prescribing options, and improving evidence.