Download Advice – Rationale for using Balneum cream

Rationale for using Balneum cream. Dr George Moncrieff.
Balneum is ideal for the drier skin conditions. It is especially suitable for dry skin problems
in the elderly (over 55) where dry skin related pruritus is often an issue. It contains 5% urea
and at that strength, urea has natural antipruritic properties. In my experience, senile
ichthyosis is extremely common and gets worse as we get older . It is especially common in
residential care where the enthusiasm for daily washing reaps disastrous consequencies on
elderly skin, aggravated by a dry, air-conditioned or centrally heated environment.
Balneum contain a natural moisturising factor (5% urea) which means it is relatively more
cost effective, as it offers full 24hr emollient effect, with just twice daily application (unlike
Diprobase, for example, which probably should be applied every 4 hours). That is also a lot
more convenient for children at school and adults with busy lives, as well as enabling carers
to lead a normal life between delivering this treatment.
Balneum is the only emollient that contains ceramide and is available on the NHS. Ceramide
mimics the normal ‘cement’ layer that seals the epidermocytes and is typically in deficient in
dry skin conditions.
Although at first glance, it seems more expensive, these properties render it a substantially
more intelligent emollient for drier skin conditions (such as eczema, psoriasis and even
ichthyosis vulgaris). The full potential benefit of using Balneum may not become apparent
until it has been used for a few weeks as the effect on the lipid lamellar envelope can take a
while to reach peak effect.
Dry skin conditions are generally worse in children before they reach the greasy pubertal
years and in older age. These are the two groups who would benefit the most.
Balneum plus cream
Balneum Plus cream is moderately expensive. However (in my experience) a large
proportion of patients who use this for intolerable itch enjoy considerable relief of their
symptoms with this product. That can be a lot safer than adding in another oral medication
to an older person’s typical polypharmacy, with risks of sedation, confusion over medication
and even potential inter-reactions (e.g. from an antiihistamine).