Aqueous cream
Aqueous Cream BP is a medicinal substance officially registered in the British Pharmacopoeia.
It is a light, paraffin-based emulsion used as a topical external medicine.
Its uses include:
- Emollient (Moisturiser)
- Soap-substitute - a gentle alternative for sensitive skin
The British National Formulary categorises it as:
- 13 Skin
- > 13.2 Emollient and barrier preparations
- > 13.2.1 Emollients
- > Non-proprietary emollient preparations
- > Aqueous Cream, BP
- > Non-proprietary emollient preparations
- > 13.2.1 Emollients
- > 13.2 Emollient and barrier preparations
Indications
It is commonly prescribed in the United Kingdom for conditions such as Eczema or Atopic dermatitis [2]. Whilst undergoing the cancer treatment Radiotherapy, the skin erythema caused as a result of treatment patients are advised to use Aqueous Cream as part of a skin care regime.
Contraindications
Some sources indicate that it is not always suitable for use as an emollient, because the preservatives (such as phenoxyethanol) used to prolong the cream's shelf life may cause a reaction (National Eczema Society article with citations). Boots(the chemist)UK use an alternative preservative viz. Chlorocresol which is said to cause less reaction.
References
- ↑ http://www.bnf.org/bnf/search.htm?n=6&q=%22aqueous+cream%2C+BP%22 BNF index
- ↑ 'Emollients' the NHS Direct Health Encylopaedia