Suggest Treatment For Dry Skin, Poor Kidney Function And Severe Fatigue

Posted on Wed, 14 Jan 2015

Question: Hi. I'm writing on behalf of my mother who has been bothered with an all-over skin itch for a few years now. One doctor says she has dry skin, one says it could be caused by poor kidney function. Mum is 91 and does have poor kidneys, diabetes, & is on many meds. She has asked to be sent to a dermatologist, but her doctor doesn't seem to think it necessary. Obviously he hasn't been tormented with the itch. They have prescribed creams & put her on more meds -- one's an anti-depressant which makes her extremely tired for the entire day after she takes it.
Mum scratches even in her sleep & sometimes wakes up with blood on her sheet because she has scratched herself raw. I feel terrible for her, but don't know what I can do. Is it possible to make an appointment with a dermatologist, or do we have to go through our own doctor?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
skin dryness

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the query.
In old age the skin looses its moisture completely and becomes very dry.
This leads to itching.
She needs to apply a long lasting moisturiser.
You can try amylac or cetaphil dam.
These are
one acting moisturisers.
She should apply it twice a day.
Hope this helps.
I don't think meeting a dermatologist would be of much help.
Thank you

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar