Dry skin

I have really bad dry skin and I used all the lotions and the coco butters but it seems like it doesnt help it gets worst.
Do you know of antyhing I can buy that is cheap and will help my dry skin

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Too much soapy water, exposure to harsh chemicals, the normal aging process and certain types of skin diseases are some of the causes of decreased amounts of protective skin oils which in turn causes dry skin.

The mainstay of management is liberal use of moisturizers after washing with luke warm water. Soap should be used minimally. Moisturizers should be reapplied liberally during the day. You can also use a topical cortisone (steroid) cream or ointment like dermacort(hydrocortisone). Adding a humidifier to the central heating system of your home or using a humidifier also helps.

If still the symptoms persist then possibility of eczema, psoriasis or pitted keratolysis is there. Please consult a dermatologist for clinical examination in that case as treatment is specific for each one and without clinical examination, it is difficult to make a diagnosis.
Hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries. Kind regards.