Safety

General information, not medical advice

Your prescriber and the leaflet in your pack know your situation. This page does not.

  • Follow your prescriber and the leaflet
  • Don't start, stop, or change a dose on your own
  • Doses and warnings differ by country and product
Facts checked by a personSourcesFull disclaimer

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

· 4 min read

Epaderm Cream: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates
Drug classEmollient
FormsCream (pump dispenser, 50g, 150g, 500g)
Epaderm Cream: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates product

Quick overview

Epaderm Cream is a water-based emollient and skin cleanser used to manage dry skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, ichthyosis, and dermatitis. It is lightweight, non-greasy, and quickly absorbed, and is free from fragrance, colouring, SLS, parabens, and steroids. It is suitable for all ages, including babies, and can be used both as a moisturiser and as a soap substitute.

What is Epaderm Cream

Epaderm Cream is a water-based emollient and skin cleanser (2-in-1 product) used to treat dry skin. It is lightweight, non-greasy, and quickly absorbed into the skin. It is fragrance-free, free from colouring, SLS, parabens and steroids, and is suitable for all ages, including babies.

Epaderm Cream uses

  • Management of dry skin conditions
  • Eczema (atopic, contact, discoid)
  • Psoriasis
  • Ichthyosis
  • Dermatitis
  • General dry and itchy skin

Benefits of Epaderm Cream

  • Improves skin hydration within two weeks
  • Fast-absorbing and non-greasy
  • Contains plant-based glycerine which helps attract and hold moisture in the skin
  • Moisturises and softens the skin, providing a film barrier that aids moisture retention
  • Free from fragrances, colouring, SLS, paraben and steroids
  • Can be used as both a moisturiser and a soap substitute
  • Suitable for all ages, including babies

How Epaderm Cream works

Epaderm Cream is quickly absorbed by the skin. It works by locking in moisture and creating a protective barrier over the skin's surface, which decreases oil and fluid loss and reduces the risk of infections.

Epaderm Cream dosage

Apply directly onto the skin in the direction of hair growth to reduce the risk of blocking hair follicles. Epaderm Cream can be applied immediately after washing to counteract the loss of essential oils from the skin. It should be applied generously and frequently, even when the skin has improved.

Epaderm Cream can be used as a substitute for soap: dispense a small amount onto your hand, lather under warm water, then use as normal soap. When using as a cleanser, wet the skin, apply a small amount to your hand, lather into the desired area, then rinse after use.

For children under ten years of age, use half the amount recommended for adults. For external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes. Do not use on broken skin. Do not swallow.

Age groupDose
Under 1 yearApply a thin layer 2–3 times daily or as needed
1–11 yearsApply 2–3 times daily or as needed
12–17 yearsApply 2–3 times daily or as needed
AdultsApply 2–3 times daily or as needed
Older adultsApply 2–3 times daily or as needed

Available forms and strengths

  • Cream (pump dispenser, 50g, 150g, 500g)

Side effects of Epaderm Cream

Common

  • Mild skin reactions such as redness, stinging, or itching, particularly on very sensitive skin
  • Stinging, especially on very sensitive or cracked skin
  • Allergic reaction — rare, but possible

Serious

  • Allergic reaction to any of the ingredients
  • Mild skin irritation
  • Redness or burning
  • Itching
  • Skin rash

Warnings and precautions

  • Suitable for use during pregnancy. Suitable for use while breastfeeding.
  • For external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes. Do not apply to infected or severely inflamed skin unless advised by a healthcare professional. 
  • Stop using it if you develop significant irritation, redness, swelling, or rash.
  • Tell your doctor/pharmacist if you have previously had an allergic reaction to any ingredient. Apply only as directed; avoid excessive application to broken skin if it causes irritation.
  • Important: Epaderm contains paraffin. Regular use can make clothing, bedding, and dressings highly flammable. Keep away from flames, cigarettes, and other sources of ignition.
  • No known issues with using alcohol while using this product.
  • Wash hands after application unless the hands are the area being treated. Keep out of reach of children.
  • Do not use if you are sensitive to any of the listed ingredients. Stop using and discuss with your healthcare professional if your condition worsens or you experience any undesirable effects.
  • For external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes. Do not use if the seal is broken or after the expiry date. Keep out of the reach of children.
  • This product is a fire hazard. Do not smoke or go near naked flames, because clothes and bedding with this product dried on them can catch fire easily.
  • Do not use on broken skin. Avoid contact with your eyes and do not swallow.
  • These products may cause burns. Avoid smoking and naked flames when using either Epaderm Cream or Ointment. Wash clothes and bedding regularly to avoid a build-up of cream or ointment within the fabric.

Storage

  • Keep out of the reach of children
  • Do not use if the seal is broken or after the expiry date

When to see a doctor

Stop using the cream and seek medical advice if your condition worsens or you experience any unwanted effects. If you develop an allergic reaction or irritation while using the cream, stop using it right away. If your symptoms do not improve, speak to a doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Alternatives

  • Doublebase
  • Cetraben
  • Epaderm Ointment

Watch the video

Video: Epaderm Cream: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

FAQs

What is Epaderm Cream used for?

Epaderm Cream is used to manage dry skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, ichthyosis, dermatitis, and general dry and itchy skin.

Can Epaderm Cream be used as a soap substitute?

Yes, Epaderm Cream can be used as both a moisturiser and a soap substitute. Dispense a small amount, lather under warm water, use as normal soap, then rinse after use.

Is Epaderm Cream safe for babies and children?

Yes, it is suitable for all ages, including babies. For children under ten years of age, use half the amount recommended for adults.

Is Epaderm Cream safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Yes, Epaderm Cream is suitable for use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Does Epaderm Cream pose any fire risk?

Yes, Epaderm Cream contains paraffin, and regular use can make clothing, bedding, and dressings highly flammable, so it should be kept away from flames and other ignition sources.

General information, not medical advice

Your prescriber and the leaflet in your pack know your situation. This page does not.

  • Follow your prescriber and the leaflet
  • Don't start, stop, or change a dose on your own
  • Doses and warnings differ by country and product
Facts checked by a personSourcesFull disclaimer

Sources

  1. https://www.epaderm.co.uk/products/epaderm-cream-500g
  2. https://www.molnlycke.com/en-nz/anz/campaigns/wound-care/epaderm/
  3. https://star-pharmacy.com/epaderm-cream-what-it-is-how-to-use/