Severe itchying on palms and feet

I have suffered from eczema before and then it went away for many years but for the past few months my hands have been cracking open on the palms and my the soles of my feet crack open as well. It tiches adn then big pieces of loose rough skin come off. I use a epizone cream on my feet twice a day but it isn't helping. I have also found the bottom part of legs to be very red and dry as well. I have had my thyroid tested and the test came back saying it is normal. What could it be?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hi,
Dry skin results when there is not enough water in the stratum corneum for it to function properly. 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 or allergic reaction needs to be ruled out.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.