Severly dry skin with darker patches

I have extremely dry skin all over my body. I have several darkened extra dry patches on my upper arms and back, and one on my elbow. It doesn't matter how much lotion, vaseline, or anti-fungal creme I put on my skin, it is always dry. I've looked up eczema and psoriasis and nothing seems to be the same as what I have. I am really suffering and in desperate need of some help! I have tried dermarest medicated lotion as well, and it did nothing. What could this be and what can I do to get rid of it?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
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 persisit then possibility of eczema or atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, ichthyosis (fish scale-like skin) 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.


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.