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Dermatology Community
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.
Sensitive hands and feet
by lunchbox25, Jul 23, 2008 07:05AM
Hi! My hands and feet become very sensitive when dry, and particularly after washing, taking a shower, washing dishes, etc. Basically anytime they get wet and a soap was involved. During these episodes, I get a very unpleasant sensation when I touch anything warm and dry, such as towels that have just come out of the dryer, or any dry cloth. My mouth will start watering and the only relief I know is to slather my hands and feet in lotion and leave excess (don't rub it in all the way) because after the lotion dries, the sensations come back. Am I crazy?!? What's wrong with me? Anyone know what this is and how to make it stop?
Post Comment
Xerosis is the medical term for dry skin. Soaps and detergents can strip away the natuarl skin oils and thus cause or exacerbate a dry skin condition.
You can take the following measures to prevent it to a certain degree.
-Apply a rich moisturizer several times a day, especially right after you bathe or wash your hands. You can also use an oil, such as baby oil while your skin is still damp from a bath or shower. Oil has more staying power than cream and helps stop water from evaporating from your skin's surface.
-Apply sun block with an SPF of 15 or higher to all areas that are exposed to the sun -- face, ears, hands, and back of the neck -- before you go outside.
-Use lukewarm instead of hot water for baths and showers. Limit your bath or shower time to 15 minutes or less.
Avoid harsh, drying soaps. Use cleansing creams or bath or shower gels with added moisturizers. Choose mild soaps that have added oils or fats. Avoid deodorant and antibacterial soaps, which are especially harsh.
-Use detergents without dyes or perfumes.
The unpleasant sensation is probably due to the increased sensitivity of the skin.
ref:http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/side_effects/dry_skin.jsp