benzalkonium chloride + chlorhexidine dihydrochloride + isopropyl myristate + liquid paraffin at a glance
Class
Antimicrobial emollient and soap substitute
Usual role
Managing dry, itchy skin, particularly eczema and dermatitis
What is benzalkonium chloride + chlorhexidine dihydrochloride + isopropyl myristate + liquid paraffin used for?
Selected products are licensed as antimicrobial emollients for:
Managing dry and itchy skin, especially eczema and dermatitis
Direct application to affected skin
Use as a soap substitute, depending on the formulation
How does benzalkonium chloride + chlorhexidine dihydrochloride + isopropyl myristate + liquid paraffin work?
Liquid paraffin and isopropyl myristate form a moisture-retaining barrier that reduces water loss. Benzalkonium chloride and chlorhexidine are antiseptics that reduce bacteria, including organisms that can complicate eczema or enter scratched skin.
How to take benzalkonium chloride + chlorhexidine dihydrochloride + isopropyl myristate + liquid paraffin
For use on the skin only. Follow the directions for the specific cream, lotion, wash or shower formulation.
For leave-on use, spread gently over affected skin; lotion and shower-emollient formulations may be massaged in until absorbed.
For washing, use instead of ordinary soap or shower gel, rinse where appropriate and pat dry.
Avoid the eyes and take care on slippery baths, showers and floors.
Keep treated skin and contaminated fabrics away from cigarettes, naked flames and other ignition sources.
benzalkonium chloride + chlorhexidine dihydrochloride + isopropyl myristate + liquid paraffin side effects
Common or expected effects
- No common side effects are identified for these skin formulations.
Get urgent medical advice
- Very rare generalised allergic reaction or anaphylaxis
- Persistent or worsening redness, itching, burning, irritation or contact dermatitis requiring clinical review
benzalkonium chloride + chlorhexidine dihydrochloride + isopropyl myristate + liquid paraffin in pregnancy
Chlorhexidine-containing skin products are generally considered suitable during pregnancy, although direct data are limited. Harmful maternal effects are not expected because skin absorption of benzalkonium chloride is minimal; discuss uncertainties with a pharmacist, midwife or prescriber.
benzalkonium chloride + chlorhexidine dihydrochloride + isopropyl myristate + liquid paraffin interactions
No medicine interactions are known for the selected products. Do not mix other topical treatments with them on the skin because this may dilute or spread the treatments.
Other topical skin treatments, including corticosteroids
Use separately and ask a clinician which product should be applied first.
Common questions about benzalkonium chloride + chlorhexidine dihydrochloride + isopropyl myristate + liquid paraffin
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can it be used instead of soap?
Yes. Selected cream, lotion, wash and shower-emollient formulations are licensed as soap substitutes.
Can children use it?
Selected products are licensed for children. Dermol Cream specifically includes infants; check the leaflet for the chosen formulation.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.