Skin barrier function and the use of emollients in dermatological nursing.

Nurses will be observing the skin on a daily basis while caring for their patients. Many may appear to have a dry skin or have a skin disease with dryness being the presenting feature in conditions such as atopic eczema, contact dermatitis (irritant and allergic) psoriasis and the ichthyoses. This article explores the barrier function of the skin, factors which influence skin barrier function and the use of emollients for dry skin and skin conditions.