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

Quick overview

Oilatum Cream is a fragrance-free moisturizing emollient made from light liquid paraffin and white soft paraffin. It is used to treat dry skin and eczema flare-ups, including atopic eczema and contact dermatitis, and is suitable for adults, children, and babies. The cream works by forming a protective, water-retaining layer on the skin to lock in moisture and soften dry or flaky areas.

What is Oilatum Cream

Oilatum Cream is a moisturizing emollient used to treat dry skin and eczema flare-ups. It is a fragrance-free cream suitable for adults, children, and babies.

Oilatum Cream uses

• Treats atopic eczema and contact dermatitis
• Helps manage dry skin conditions such as ichthyosis and senile pruritus
• Relieves rough, chapped, or scaly skin

Benefits of Oilatum Cream

• Locks in moisture and forms a protective barrier on the skin
• Soothes, softens, and rehydrates dry or itchy skin
• Relieves the discomfort of eczema flare-ups
• Suitable for use by adults, children, and babies
• Can be used as a soap substitute

How Oilatum Cream works

The cream contains liquid paraffin and white soft paraffin, which form a protective, water-retaining layer on the skin's surface. This barrier helps lock in moisture, reduce water loss, and soften dry or flaky skin.

Oilatum Cream dosage

Apply to the affected area and rub in well. Smooth the cream into the skin in the direction of hair growth to help reduce irritation. Apply immediately after washing or bathing to help lock in moisture and prevent loss of natural oils from the skin. Use as often as needed, or as directed by your doctor. The cream can also be used as a soap substitute by applying to wet or dry skin and then rinsing off. It is suitable for adults, children, and babies.

Available forms and strengths

• Cream

Side effects of Oilatum Cream

Common

• Slight irritation and itching at the site of application
• Skin irritation or redness where applied
• A burning or stinging sensation on application

Serious

• Skin rash or allergic reaction, sometimes due to ingredients like cetostearyl alcohol or benzyl alcohol
• Folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles), particularly if applied too thickly
• Hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat (signs of a serious allergic reaction)

Warnings and precautions

• Do not use on skin that is infected unless a doctor has advised it, and avoid getting the cream in your eyes.
• Do not use around the nostrils of premature babies or newborns without medical supervision.
• This product can make baths, showers, and floors slippery, so take care to avoid falls, and it can make fabrics more flammable, so keep away from fire or open flames.
• Do not use this cream if you have acne or greasy skin unless your doctor has told you to.
• Oilatum Cream is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy since it is applied to the skin and not significantly absorbed into the body, but you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before use if pregnant or trying to conceive.
• The cream is generally considered safe while breastfeeding because it is applied to the skin, but if used on the breast area, clean the skin before feeding.
• People with liver and kidney problems should use this medicine with caution.
• There is no known interaction with alcohol because this cream is applied to the skin and not swallowed.
• This cream does not cause drowsiness and is not expected to affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.

Storage

• Store below 25°C in a dry place, away from direct heat and sunlight
• Do not refrigerate or freeze
• Keep out of sight and reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date shown on the packaging

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency medical help right away if you notice signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Stop using the product and contact your doctor if you have severe burning, stinging, redness, or irritation where it was applied.
• If you experience any serious side effects, stop using the cream and get medical advice right away.

Alternatives

• CeraVe
• Oilatum Junior Cream
• Oilatum Emollient