Sounds like riba rash and dry skin gone wild, both common side effects. Seems like lots of people are afflicted with skin problems, often early in tx. People get rashes and blisters and bumps and such and people have complained of getting some/all of the above in or on nearly every body part you can imagine.
I use lots of Yardley Secret Cottage natural almond oatmeal moisturizing lotion for my skin issues. Other people swear by Gold Bond products. Someone else (PRINCESS I think) had another good product - I've got pretty bad brain fog today so I'm not clear on details but I've seen this topic a few times. Search around on the board and you'll find good info.
try gold bond ultimate, that happens to me around my elbows especially! You have to do it several times a day.
Good luck and hope you do well in the study!!
Deb