Diprobase 1887793 220619016 2008-06-20T19:03:29Z Leszek JaƄczuk 6848259 No longer the case '''Diprobase''' is an [[emollient]], specifically targeted at [[eczema]] and [[dermatitis]]. It is an occlusive emollient, meaning that it restores the layer of [[oil]] on the surface of the [[skin]] to slow water loss. This gives its tendency to make the applied area sticky. ==Ingredients== Diprobase contains no 'active ingredients'. It is made from a combination of liquid paraffin, white soft paraffin and water, as well as [[cetomacrogol]] and [[cetostearyl alcohol]] as [[emulsification|emulsifying agents]], [[chlorocresol]] as an [[preservatives|antimicrobial preservative]], [[phosphoric acid]], ==Effects== Dry skin results from lack of water in the outer layer of skin cells (the [[stratum corneum]]). When this layer becomes [[dehydrated]] it loses its flexibility and becomes cracked, scaly and sometimes itchy. The stratum corneum contains natural water-holding substances that retain water seeping up from the deeper layers of the skin, and water is also normally retained in the stratum corneum by a surface film of natural oil ([[sebum]]) and broken-down skin cells, which slow down [[evaporation]] of water from the skin surface. Diprobase works by increasing that layer of oil. ==External links== *[http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/100004782.html NetDoctor's article on Diprobase Cream] {{treatment-stub}} [[Category:Skin care]] [[Category:Dermatological preparations]]