terrible dry scaley looking skin

Hello

A friend of mine has just recently been to the hospital for an unknown illness the doctors think it was some sort of internal infection again unknown. Since his release he has had his ankles to swell and now the swelling is gone but there is a terrible dryness and deep cracking going on the front side of his ankle just above the foot. Each side has a matching area. Its size is around a 3 to 4 inch diameter its terrible to look at and I know it has to hurt like heck. If there is any suggestions as to what it is I would be greatly appreciative
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[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms,it sounds like xerosis or eczema. Wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites.He can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. For mild-moderate symptoms a weak steroid may be used (e.g. hydrocortisone as dermacort), whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid (e.g. clobetasol propionate, fluocinonide).

Also ask him to use good quality moisturizers to prevent moisture loss from the skin.

If still the symptoms do not improve then pls get a clinical examination done by a dermatologist.
Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep us posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.Kind regards.