Dry skin

Hi. My name is Sara and I'm 27 years old.  Over the years I have had bad problems with dry skin during the wintertime.  This year seems to be worse.  Right now my hands are a little swollen around my finger joints and they are very rough and cracked.  This is especially on my right hand.  My back, sides, arms, legs and buttocks are also very dry. They are also red in color.  They burn and itch and it hurts to touch them most of the time. It is worse when i am outside. I have tried lotion, prescribed lotion, etc nothing seems to help.  The tanning bed does seem to help some, but i try to stay away from them because i am on so many medications for other things.  Do you have any suggestions on what this may be and what to do for it? Thanks.

Sara

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Sara:

You may have very dry skin, or there might be a touch of eczema as well.  I suggest Aquaphor ointment (OTC) as a good hand moisturizer for the winter.  If that doesn't help enough, you may want to consult a dermatologist for diagnosis and perhaps a prescription for a cortisone-based cream.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff