Suggest Treatment For Severely Dry Cracked Skin

Posted on Tue, 15 Dec 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 15 Dec 2015 Answered on

Wed, 6 Jan 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : my skin is very rough having cracks ...I can see these cracks throught the year and more during the winter. I also started applying oil/cream on my skin, want to know if its any protein deficiency or any disease.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
An intensive moisturising cream

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

I have gone through your query and I have understood your concern.

You seem to have severe dryness of skin, that is Xerosis. This is usually inherited i.e genetic and not due to any underlying deficiency however you must get your thyroid levels checked at least. Dryness of skin is more common in hypothyroidism.
The dry and cold weather of winters accentuated dryness of skin by sucking out all the moisture content from skin. You must use a moisturising cream, specially the one which is not only occlusive (i.e occludes moisture from evaporating from skin) but is also hygroscopic (i.e absorbs moisture from atmosphere and locks it inside skin). One such cream is Amylac cream (contains ammonium lactate 12%) Or Ureative - 20 cream (contains urea 20%). You may use either of these creams, twice daily. In addition I would also suggest you to use a superfatted soap for bath e.g Oilatum soap which is non drying as compared to ordinary skin soaps.

Regards

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