Dry Skin

About a year ago my skin started to get dry rather uniformly over my body.  It started in winter and presisted into the summer.  I itch significantly.  I have tried many creams, soaps and such without any real lessoning.  I am taking vitamins (a, b, e, and cod liver oil) without any results.  Is there any internal medications or suplements that would restore my natural skin oils? (I am a 46 year old male.)

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Bill:

I not sure whether the dryness you described is just dry skin or perhaps something more, perhaps eczema.  If all the moisturizers you use don't help much, you might want to contact your dermatologist for a recommendation for a prescription -- strength moisturizer.  It's also possible that you have dermatitis, which would require medicated creams containing hydrocortisone.

Good luck.

Dr. R