Don't use Dermol 500 as a leave on moisturiser!
Dermol 500 is a commonly prescribed antimicrobial emollient used to treat dry, itchy skin conditions such as eczema. It moisturises the skin while helping to reduce bacteria that can contribute to inflammation and infection.
Although Dermol 500 can be used both as a soap substitute and as a leave-on moisturiser, I generally advise patients to use it only as a soap substitute. In my experience, leaving it on the skin can sometimes cause irritation and make eczema symptoms worse.
How is Dermol 500 different from other moisturisers?
Unlike most emollients, Dermol 500 contains two antimicrobial ingredients: benzalkonium chloride and chlorhexidine dihydrochloride. These ingredients help reduce bacteria on the skin surface, which can be useful in people with eczema who experience recurrent skin infections.
As a soap substitute, Dermol 500 is often much gentler on the skin than conventional soaps, shower gels or body washes, all of which can strip away natural oils and worsen dryness.
Should I use Dermol 500 as a leave-on moisturiser?
Although Dermol 500 is licensed for use as a leave-on emollient, I generally do not recommend this. The antimicrobial ingredients can sometimes irritate the skin when left in prolonged contact with it, particularly in people with sensitive skin or active eczema.
Instead, I usually advise applying Dermol 500 in the shower like a shower gel and rinsing it off immediately afterwards. This allows you to benefit from its cleansing and moisturising properties while reducing the risk of irritation.
Why is Dermol 500 irritating my skin?
Dermol 500 contains the antimicrobial agents benzalkonium chloride and chlorhexidine. While these ingredients help reduce bacteria on the skin, they can also irritate sensitive skin when left on for prolonged periods.
If your skin becomes more red, sore, itchy or uncomfortable after using Dermol 500, you may be developing irritant contact dermatitis. This is usually not an allergy but a direct reaction caused by disruption of the skin barrier.
What are the signs that Dermol 500 is causing irritation?
Symptoms of irritant dermatitis can include:
- Burning or stinging after application
- Increased redness or inflammation
- Skin feeling tight, sore or uncomfortable
- Worsening dryness or peeling
- Itching that becomes more intense rather than improving
If these symptoms develop shortly after starting Dermol 500 or improve when you stop using it, the product may be contributing to the problem.
What should I do if Dermol 500 is irritating my skin?
If you suspect Dermol 500 is causing irritation, stop using it as a leave-on moisturiser. Many people find that their symptoms improve when they continue using it only as a soap substitute and rinse it off after washing.
For regular moisturising, I generally recommend switching to a simple, fragrance-free emollient without antimicrobial ingredients. Examples include Cetraben Cream, Doublebase Gel and Epaderm Ointment.
My advice
Dermol 500 can be an excellent soap substitute for people with eczema and dry skin. However, I never recommend it as a leave-on moisturiser because the antimicrobial ingredients can irritate the skin. Good alternatives for a leave-on moisturiser include Cetraben Cream, Doublebase gel or Epaderm Ointment.
