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Un treatable dry skin

Hi there
For the last two or three years I have had extremely dry skin that no creams or lotions seem to help. I went to a dermatologist and she suggested some creams but I have to apply them every 2-3 hours for them to be any good. My face is not so much as visibly dry. It just feels really tight and uncomfortable to me. A GP gave my hydro cortisone but they I realised I was only meant to use it one or twice. This is the only cream that I have tried that lets me apply it once in the morning and my face is fine for the whole day. Now that I have stopped using it, my skin has gone back to needing moisturiser constantly. I do not wash my face with any cleansers as that makes it far worse.
What should I do? I am completely at a loss??
I am 28 and do not wear make-up, I do a lot of exercise so sweat a lot (maybe this has something to do with it)
Thanks
2 Responses
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563773 tn?1374246539
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
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 persist then possibility of eczema 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 dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

Helpful - 0
1422814 tn?1333569702
Since you're not seeing results with external treatments, look to solve this dry skin internally.  Meaning, drink lots of water (just when you think you've had enough, drink more), take vitamins and supplements for healthy skin (vitamins A, Bs, fish oil, etc.), in addition to using a quality facial cream.  For facial cleansers, look to use cold creams that require no water, you spread on and wipe off with a tissue.  Good luck!
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