Suggest Remedy For Extremely Dry Skin

Posted on Mon, 9 Nov 2015

Question: My skin is extremely dry. This dryness has caused formation of lines on to my legs since my childhood. i tried applying oil and other body lotions that has more aloe vera contents. Those were just temporary remedy. I did not get any permanent solution on this. The lines are much evident and skin starts peeling off during winter.

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (48 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
answer few questions related to dryness

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to healthcaremagic
I understand your concern. There are many diseases associated with scaling and dryness from childhood like atopic dermatitis, ichthyosis, etc. To find out the cause in your case I need to ask you few questions:
Whether dryness is associated with itching or rash?
Which parts of the body are most dry?
Is there any personal or family history of allergic rhinitis or asthma?
Is there any family history of dryness?
I would also recommend you to upload the photographs of the lines on your legs to have a clearer picture of the condition.
As far as treatment of dryness is concerned avoid using harsh soaps for bathing instead use mild body wash, don't use hot water for bathing, wear cotton clothes in direct contact with the body even in winters and use a good quality moisturizing lotion over your entire body immediately after bath when the body is wet. Many brands are available in the market. One such brand is cetaphil restoraderm moisturizing lotion.
Regards
Dr Asmeet

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (1 hour later)

Whether dryness is associated with itching or rash?
Itching yes, but only during winter season. otherwise, its normal.

Which parts of the body are most dry?
hands and legs.mainly legs. my face isn't that dry nor my chest. The lines are present only over the legs.

Is there any personal or family history of allergic rhinitis or asthma?
No.

Is there any family history of dryness?
Yes, my mom has dry skin.

I have attached a pic along. Please let me know if this is curable.
For moisturizer, i am applying a mixture of rosewater+glycerin, and i find it a temporary apt solution. will the one suggested by you give me a permanent cure?

Please help me overcome this terrible situation. :(

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You are having ichthyosis, can be kept under control

Detailed Answer:
I have seen the attached photograph and you are having ichthyosis which is a hereditary disorder. It is not possible to cure it but we can keep it under control by keeping the body moisturized and following the measures I have already mentioned.
The lotion I have already mentioned is very effective in this condition . Apart from this I also recommend my patients to use ammonium lactate lotion on the dry skin . These are much more effective than XXXXXXX water and glycerine.
I hope to have answered your questions.
I would be happy to clarify any further doubts.
Good luck
Regards
Dr Asmeet

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (39 minutes later)

Will ammonium lactate lotion be available in the general medical store?

is there any brand that you can suggest for ammonium lactate lotion ?

Will any sort of selective food habits / controlling alcohol consumption help to bring this down ?

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Food and alcohol have no effect on dryness

Detailed Answer:
Ammonium lactate lotion will be easily available in a good chemist shop. One brand available in the market is amylac lotion by ranbaxy.
Diet and alcohol consumption will have no effect on your dryness.

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj