What is Balneum Plus Bath Oil?
Balneum Plus Bath Oil is a bath additive that can be used to treat dry skin disorders such as eczema and dermatitis. The bath oil contains emollients that help to soothe and soften dry itchy skin to provide relief. After use, the bath oil forms a film on your skin that helps to trap moisture to prevent your skin from drying out. For soft, comfortable skin, add Balneum Bath Oil to your bath time routine.
Conditions that cause dry skin
Dry skin is a very common dermatological condition which doesn’t usually have any serious consequences, but can often be associated with more chronic conditions such as, eczema, psoriasis and pruritus.
Eczema
A long term skin condition that makes the skin itchy, red, dry and cracked. It can affect any part of the body, but commonly affects:
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On the backs or fronts of the knees
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Outside or inside the elbows
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Around the neck, hands, cheeks or scalp
Psoriasis
This condition causes flaky red patches of skin that are covered in silver scales. These patches usually appear on the elbows, knees and the lower back and can be itch or sore. Those who have psoriasis usually have periods with little to no symptoms, followed by periods when symptoms are more severe.
Pruritus
Also known as itchy skin, pruritus is common in older adults as skin tends to become drier with age and can be caused or worsened by dry skin. Common symptoms of this skin condition include:
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Redness
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Bumps, spots or blisters
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Dry, cracked skin
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Leathery or scaly skin
Can scratching your skin be dangerous?
One important step you can take to help ease symptoms and prevent further problems caused by dry skin is to not scratch the affected area. Eczema and other dry skin conditions can often be itchy and scratching this area can be tempting, but scratching can damage the skin, which can often cause these conditions to worsen. The skin can eventually thicken into leathery areas due to excessive scratching. Scratching can also cause bleeding which increases the risk of your skin becoming infected or scarred.
How can you treat and prevent dry skin?
There are various steps you can take to prevent and treat dry skin including:
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Drink plenty of water
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Increase humidity by purchasing a humidifier or placing a damp towel on a warm radiator
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Reduce the length of your bath or shower and avoid the use of harsh soaps, bubble baths and bath products
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Quit smoking
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Use a soap substitute
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Use an emollient
Speak to your GP or a Chemist 4U pharmacist if you are unsure about how to treat your dry skin symptoms.
What is an emollient?
Emollients are used to soothe, hydrate and moisturise your skin and are very often used to help manage dry, itchy or scaly skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and ichthyosis. The help by reducing dryness, itching scaling and soften cracks in the skin. They are applied topically (directly to the skin) and can be used frequently to help reduce water loss from your skin. Emollients are available as:
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Lotions – Good for hairy or damaged areas of skin (such as weeping eczema) as they’re thin and spread easily, but they’re not as moisturising as some other emollient products
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Sprays – Good for hard-to-reach areas and sore/infected skin that shouldn’t be touched and are absorbed quickly
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Creams – Not greasy, so absorbed quickly and suitable for daytime use
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Ointments – good for thickened, very dry skin and night-time use as they’re greasy, thick and very moisturising; they’re often free of preservatives so are suitable for sensitive skin, but shouldn’t be used on weeping eczema
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Soap substitutes – gentle, moisturising soap alternatives that don’t dry out the skin
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Oils - prevents skin from drying out during bathing and forms a protective film to trap moisture.
How can Balneum Bath Oil help with dry skin conditions?
Balneum Plus Bath Oil contains two active ingredients, soya oil and lauromacrogols, that help to soothe skin and provide relief from itching.
Soya oil
Soya oil is an emollient which soothes and softens dry skin by helping to replace lost oils to keep the skin hydrated. It forms tiny droplets in the water which leaves a thin protective film on your skin to seal in moisture and prevent your skin from drying out.
Lauromacrogols
Lauromacrogols are local anaesthetics for the relief of itching that is caused by eczema, dermatitis and problem dry skin.
These two ingredients work together to rapidly relieve symptoms associated with dry itchy skin whilst also cleansing and protecting the skin from drying out during bathing.
How to use this product
Always use Balneum Plus exactly as described by a doctor or pharmacist. This product is for external use only and is suitable for all ages. Always shake the bottle before using this product to ensure that the ingredients are well mixed before use. Pour the appropriate amount of Balneum into the bath (see below for measurements) and ensure the bath water isn’t too hot to prevent your skin from drying out. Bathe for at least 10 minutes, but no longer than 20 minutes.
Do NOT use soap as this will remove the Balneum from your skin and can also dry out your skin. If only a small area of skin is affected by dry, itchy skin, you can use Balneum to bathe the affected area in a bowl or sink.
Measurements
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For a full bath (adult’s dose) - 1 capful (about 20ml)
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For a child’s or baby’s bath - ¼ of a capful (about 5ml)
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For a partial bath in a bowl or sink - ⅛ of a capful (about 25ml)
If you have very dry skin, you can use 2-3 times of the above amounts.
Balneum Plus can also be used in the shower. When using in the shower the liquid should be evenly applied over the body without dilution and then rinsed off under the shower. After bathing or showering gently pat dry with a towel. If you wipe or rub the skin too much this product will not work as effectively to keep your skin hydrated. Adults and children should bathe or shower with Balneum Plus at least 3 times a week or as often as required. If you are unsure on how frequently you should bathe your skin or how severe your skin condition is, seek advice from a doctor or a Chemist4U pharmacist. For babies and infants, a daily bath is recommended.
Warnings
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Avoid getting Balneum Plus in your eyes - should contact occur, rinse immediately with clean water and seek medical advice if irritation occurs
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Undiluted Balneum Plus should not be swallowed - seek immediate medical advice if this occurs
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This product can make surfaces slippery, so take special care when in the bath or shower and using this product.
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Always clean the bath immediately after use - rinse thoroughly with hot water and then clean with a household cleaner
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If your symptoms do not ease when using this product, seek advice from your doctor
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Do NOT smoke or go near naked flames after using this product.
When should Balneum Plus Bath Oil NOT be used?
Do NOT use this product if you are allergic to soya, peanut or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (see ingredients tab for full list) or if you suffer from fresh pustular forms of Psoriasis (Psoriasis pustulosa). Seek medical advice BEFORE using this product if you have:
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Major skin injuries
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Acute skin diseases of unknown causes
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Feverish and infectious diseases
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Heart failure and high blood pressure
ALWAYS read the patient information leaflet before using any medication
Side Effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody will experience them. Very rarely this product may cause reddening, itching and burning. In very rare cases soya oil may cause allergic reactions.
Important Information
This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or Chemist 4 U pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy. If your symptoms get worse or continue after taking this product, contact us or your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to https://www.nhs.uk
If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or our pharmacist before taking this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or our pharmacist if this medicine is right for you.
Store all medicines out of sight and reach of children.
Please read the included leaflet carefully before using this product.
Please contact your GP if appropriate regarding this product.
Helpful Advice on Medication Restrictions & Addiction
For further information on our medication restrictions policy, please click here.
If you are concerned about addiction to 'over the counter' medication, we urge you to visit the below links for professional help and advice:
