Oilatum (Junior).

Oilatum bath formula and junior bath formula both contain light liquid paraffin. It works by providing a layer of oil on the surface of the skin to prevent water evaporating from the skin surface.

Dry skin results from lack of water in the outer layer of skin cells known as 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.

Paraldehyde.

Paraldehyde is an anti-epileptic medicine belonging to a group of medicines called barbiturates.

The brain and nerves are made up of many nerve cells that communicate with each other through electrical signals. These signals must be carefully regulated for the brain and nerves to function properly. When abnormally rapid and repetitive electrical signals are released in the brain, it becomes over-stimulated and normal function is disturbed. This results in fits or seizures.

Cetraben.

Cetraben is made from a mixture of white soft paraffin and liquid paraffin with water, to produce a thick moisturiser. It works by providing a layer of oil on the surface of the skin to prevent water evaporating from the skin surface.

Cetraben also contains glycerin, which is absorbed into the skin where it attracts water to itself, helping to retain water in the skin surface.

Betnovate (Betamethasone).

Betamethasone is a moderately potent glucocorticoid steroid with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. Unlike other drugs with these effects, betamethasone does not cause water retention. It is applied as a topical cream, ointment, foam, lotion or gel to treat itching (e.g. from eczema).

Pyridoxine.

Pyridoxine is one of the compounds that can be called vitamin B6, along with Pyridoxal and Pyridoxamine. It differs from pyridoxamine by the substituent at the ‘4′ position. It is often used as ‘pyridoxine hydrochloride’.