what are people using

[stonewall611]

Skin problems on tx.   Rash,  dryness,  itching,  or anything else you've experienced.  Many products on market.   What works for you?

[newleaf09]

Eureka! I found it!  Lotions are not doing me much good for persistent riba rash on my chest but a few days ago I started thinking about poison ivy dermatitis and decided to try some of those treatments.  I had a poison ivy pack with a 1% hydrocortizone gel and after 3 days rash is almost completely gone. Much better than lotion. Got the nurse's approval to use it after the fact.  

[rita863]

I am sure you have already heard that drinking of plenty of water helps.  I and many others not only had the dry skin, but leasons from scratching it so bad.  I have tried everything from over the counter to prescription, nothing really worked for me.  Cool baths help, mild soap, goldbond lotion for the itching. Nothing with perfumes.  At night I wore white men's tee shirts, so nothing would irritate my skin.  I stayed out of the sun too.  

Its a rough road, but we somehow make it to the end!

good luck

peace
rita

[lalapple]

i was born with dry skin, was never really a fan of lotions.  but i've been on and off with this Caress oil infused body wash, it's like whipped cream you slab on and it doesn't leave my skin as dry.  i like using it especially around my shot areas, it really helps the needle go in.  and i have very sensitive skin it never bothers me.  cheap and you can get it at drugstores.

[winner727]

un scented soaps  , lubriderm for hands , parrifin wax dips on feet , I noticed alot of my dryness problems went away w increase h2o .     good luck .      

[Rockerforlife]

I think ive read somewhere cortizone is a steriod of some sorts and  taking steriods while on TX is not good.

[FloridaMouse]

As far as lotion, I like Eucerin Calming Lotion.

I have/had Riba rash on my face and my GI has me wash the area with, believe it or not, a dandruff shampoo like Head and Shoulders or Selsun Blue.  The he has me use over the counter hydrocortisone.   However, you have to be EXTREMELY careful not to use they hydrocortison around the eyes.

Mouse

[meakea]

There are really great responses above and the only thing I can add to that is to try to keep your lotions "fragrance free"; such as Cetaphil.  I used Gold Bond and, at first, it did help but eventually I seemed to develop a sensitivity to it and I switched to Cetaphil.  For my face (around my eyes and ears where it got extremely dry) I used  Aquaphor ointment.  When my itching got bad enough that it kept me from sleeping, I started using Benadryl.

AnnieCinMD:  Thanks for the tip on the T-Get shampoo.  I also have horrible flaking in my scalp since starting TX.  I never noticed anyone else posting about this so I figured it was just my problem.  I actually have lost so much hair that I started wearing a wig last week (to work) and that actually also helps to prevent me from having to brush my shoulders off every 2 minutes (very distressing when at work).  I'll try the T-Gel to see if I can get a grip on my scalp.  I kind of wonder if part of my extreme hair loss is due to the excessive dryness of my scalp and also from my early thyroid issues (which are now under control).

[Isobella]

Aveeno Oatmeal baths and any lotion that has no scent...something really plain like eucerin or aveeno or any organic.  I use a prescription Desoximetasone 0.25% cream and also the ointment on the Riba rash. And also Atarax for the itch.  

Drink lots of water, too.  Not sure how far you are into tx, but for me, because I was so dehydrated from the meds, I didn't sweat or have much in the way of body oil, so I was able to cut back on bathing and shampooing.  Sounds gross, I know....but totally helped.

[annieCinMD]

T Gel for hair washing (really bad dandruff), a lot of body butter, Extra Strength Gold Bond lotion is a good OTC product for itching. I get real relief from the itching from my eczema cream (prescription). I've had this prescription for years and my study team told me to use it on the Riba rash. If they prescribed it would likely be the same thing. I use this as an opportunity to try new lotions and moisturizers to see what works best.  Dont' be afraid to ask for a prescription for whatever ails you. No point in suffering any more than you have to.

[Rockerforlife]

Works great on the scalp too.

[Rockerforlife]

One teaspoon coconut oil mixed with 3 drops of wild oregemo oil.

[Tippyclubb]

First of all I eliminated all harsh soaps and switched to moisturizing soaps like Dove, Caress, or Tone.  Aveeno moisturizing lotion with cooling menthol gives temporary relief with the rash, as does using the Aveeno Oatmeal baths ( helps a lot ).  Some people use the Gold Bond Anti Itch products.  

The best thing for relief from the itching is Atarax and it works well for many hours.  However, you will have to have your doctor write a prescription for it.

Make sure you drink plenty of water as that helps with the dryness too.