Aqueous Cream: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Aqueous Cream is a non-greasy emollient (moisturiser) made from a mixture of emulsifying ointment and water. It is used to relieve dry skin conditions such as eczema and can also be used as a soap substitute. It is applied externally to help the skin retain moisture and reduce dryness.

What is Aqueous Cream

Aqueous Cream is a non-greasy emollient (moisturiser) made from a mixture of emulsifying ointment and water. It is used to relieve dry skin conditions such as eczema and can also be used as a soap substitute.

Aqueous Cream uses

• Relief of minor skin irritations and dry skin conditions such as eczema
• Used as a soap substitute for washing
• Used as a vehicle (base) for other active ingredients applied to the skin
• Moisturizes dry skin
• Helps soften rough or scaly skin
• Supports the skin barrier

Benefits of Aqueous Cream

• Helps retain moisture on the skin and reduce dryness
• Cleanses the skin without the harsh drying effect of regular soap
• Non-greasy and widely available
• Provides skin hydration
• Reduces dryness and roughness
• Easy to apply over larger skin areas

How Aqueous Cream works

When used as a wash or soap substitute, the cream leaves a thin layer of oil on the skin's surface. This layer traps water underneath it and stops water from evaporating from the skin, which helps keep the skin moist.

Aqueous Cream dosage

For external use only. Apply sparingly to the affected area as and when required. When used to carry other active ingredients, follow the dosage your pharmacist tells you. It can be used before or during bathing, showering, or washing as a soap substitute. If the cream contains sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), it must be rinsed off and not left on the skin for long periods. If the cream is labelled SLS-free, it can be left on the skin and does not need to be washed off. Be careful when using it in the bath or shower, as it can make surfaces slippery; use a bath mat or shower mat, especially for babies and young children.

Available forms and strengths

• Cream

Side effects of Aqueous Cream

Common

• Skin reactions such as stinging, burning, itching, and redness, especially when used as a leave-on product in children with eczema

Serious

• Allergic (hypersensitivity) reactions

Warnings and precautions

• If the cream touches dressings or clothing, the fabric can catch fire very easily. Keep away from open flames while using this product.
• Do not use if you are allergic to the ingredients in this cream.
• Tell your pharmacist about any other medicines you are using, including ones bought without a prescription, as this cream may interact with them.
• Using this cream as a leave-on moisturiser, especially in children with eczema, may cause skin reactions such as burning, stinging, itching, and redness, often within 20 minutes of applying it.
• Using the cream in the bath or shower can make the floor slippery, so use a bath or shower mat to prevent falls, especially with babies and young children.
• Aqueous Cream can be used during pregnancy, but check with your doctor or pharmacist first if you are pregnant.
•  Aqueous Cream can be used while breastfeeding. No specific kidney-related precautions are generally required because aqueous cream is applied to the skin and has minimal systemic absorption. No specific liver-related precautions are generally required with normal topical use. 
• There is no known direct interaction with alcohol. Aqueous cream does not usually affect driving or the ability to operate machinery.

Storage

• Keep out of the reach and sight of children
• Keep the container tightly closed
• Do not store above 25°C
• Do not use after the expiry date, which refers to the last day of that month
• Do not dispose of via wastewater or household waste; ask your pharmacist how to dispose of unused product

When to see a doctor

• Contact a doctor if your symptoms get worse or do not improve.
• Stop using the cream and tell your doctor right away, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, if you have a serious allergic reaction.
• If you notice skin irritation such as burning, stinging, itching, or redness after using the cream, stop using it and speak to your doctor or pharmacist, who can suggest a suitable alternative.
• If you swallow the cream by accident or use more than you should, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Alternatives

• Emollient cream
• White soft paraffin cream
• Liquid paraffin-based moisturizer
• Cetomacrogol cream