Very dry scaly skin: Hi, I recently came of pred... - PMRGCAuk

PMRGCAuk

21,317 members40,425 posts

Very dry scaly skin

Urtica profile image
32 Replies

Hi, I recently came of pred (2nd time round) and am feeling pretty fit but the skin on my body, legs and arms is very, very dry and I wonder whether anybody could recommend a product to help this. I am using Cetraben at the moment and it works for a few hours but I need something to keep me moisturised for at least a day. So any suggestions for a shower gel and body cream would be much appreciated.

Thanks and keep safe everyone

Written by
Urtica profile image
Urtica
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
32 Replies
PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

if you are in the UK then the Diprobase and Doublebase products are designed for the purpose - used for patients with eczema. If you are really lucky your GP may prescribe them but they are not horrendously expensive OTC. You will get a lot of recommendations here.

diprobase.co.uk/en/diprobas...

doublebase.com/the-doubleba...

They are used either before showering - no soap/foaming products should be used with dry skin - or after while the skin is still damp to keep the moisture in the skin.

They can be bought in other countries from the company everyone loves to hate - not a problem for cost of delivery if you have Prime.

Hi, I use doublebase gel which is good. However getting something that lasts the day on one application is hard. I have been having dry skin issues and pharmacists recommend using moisturiser 6 times a day. That was with HC cream on elbows too. Which made it 8 times a day. I will be following the post to see if anyone has something. DB gel best one I found so far.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to

Actually - any cream with urea in it should be good. I use foot creams with 10% urea even for facial dry skin - one application does for days!

I wouldn't use 40% urea creams for face - it is aimed at feet - but maybe once for really dry arms or legs.

byrdie.com/urea-40-skin-477...

in reply toPMRpro

I do use my foamy diabetic stuff when my feet get back and use it on hands but the smell is rank. But nothing lasts the day on my skin at the moment. Showering several.times a week isn't helping my skin or hair.

jinasc profile image
jinasc in reply to

Just checking, you do put it on before your shower and then after............I know you probably do, but it quite amazing how some people just do not follow instructions. 😈 You can thump me⛑

in reply tojinasc

I remember you being very clear and yes I do. I wouldn't dare disobey!!😘

jinasc profile image
jinasc in reply to

I do all the time, just to see what happens? Sometimes it is hilarious..............but then I am really HEL.

Off to make sure Joan has gone to sleep then I can rest easy. This virus us doing nothing for dementia, in fact just the opposite. I feel like a record sometimes. C'est la Vie and tomorrow my neighbour is visiting M&S for me, so Cornish Vanilla Ice cream and British Asparagus for tea.................my mouth is watering.

in reply tojinasc

It must be very difficult in these circs. Have a good sleep and enjoy your treat. Vanilla ice cream my fave flavour. Xx

SusyTe profile image
SusyTe

I use Aveda Shampure Body Wash which smells amazing and is really moisturising, followed by Aveeno Body Lotion. I have sensitive skin and am prone to eczema and they help a lot.

Urtica profile image
Urtica in reply toSusyTe

Thanks. How many times a day do you use them or do you use them only when needed (if that makes sense)?

SusyTe profile image
SusyTe in reply toUrtica

I use the body wash most days and the Aveeno every day.

lizzyek profile image
lizzyek

Try Vaseline,do not use soap,soap will dry you out.

Urtica profile image
Urtica in reply tolizzyek

How long does Vaseline take to soak in -on arms, legs and whole body really ?

lizzyek profile image
lizzyek in reply toUrtica

My Son has very dry skin also eczema,he has used every product and nothing has helped only Vaseline.

He uses it after every shower and his skin and eczema has improved tremendously,but each individual is different.

I hope you find something that will help you.

Urtica profile image
Urtica in reply tolizzyek

Thanks very much for your reply

Paulamac77 profile image
Paulamac77

Child’s Farm Baby Moisturiser is excellent. Readily available from Boots and supermarkets In the baby dept. of course. I highly recommend it.

Urtica profile image
Urtica in reply toPaulamac77

Thanks for your recommendation.

dphu profile image
dphu

I find Vaseline good too.

Urtica profile image
Urtica in reply todphu

Do you use it just at night?

Constance13 profile image
Constance13 in reply todphu

I've used it for 60 years and don't look bad for my age (80).

dphu profile image
dphu

Yes, night is best for me

ParsnipSoup profile image
ParsnipSoup

I have recently been using Aveena and found it excellen

Writeratlarge profile image
Writeratlarge

I use products with hyaluronic acid, which draws moisture from the air. It's amazing!

Urtica profile image
Urtica in reply toWriteratlarge

Interesting. We have plenty of moisture in the air living in Wales! Could you give a name of a suitable product so I can investigate please?

Writeratlarge profile image
Writeratlarge in reply toUrtica

I use Neutrogena Hydro Boost, TruSkin C Serum with hyaluronic acid (great for the face), and Timeless Skin Care pure hyaluronic acid. If you can't find them where you live, maybe you could use Google to locate a source. Good luck.

Urtica profile image
Urtica in reply toWriteratlarge

Thanks

Telian profile image
Telian

I’ve had chronic dry skin all my life and now psoriasis all over and Pomphilix eczema on hands for which I’m prescribed Epaderm - it’s thick and I wear cotton gloves until it’s soaked in but very effective. Think you can buy it now.

I’m prescribed Dermol 500 to shower in and Doublebase to moisturise immediately afterwards and as many times as you need throughout the day. It’s not heavy and dries quickly so can dress straightaway.

You can buy Doublebase OTC from Tesco for about £12. Big tub with pump dispenser. Don’t know if you can buy Dermol 500 though. OH has Epimax prescribed for his mild dry skin but It is thin - no good for me but stops him itching. Can buy that otc.

As Pro says anything with urea in is good. OH used to get it on ‘script for his feet but stopped that now so buy online- called Flexitol and the Rolls Royce of moisturisers for feet. Good on dry hands particularly useful during current hand washing marathon! It is expensive but best to buy a big tub as it lasts. Cheapest online - pharmacies charge around £27 for a big tub. Last bought on line for around £18 inc postage.

Good luck!

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply toTelian

Seems to be OTC - but is a pharmacy product so when you buy online there are usually questions to be answered. Also seems to be in great demand!!!

weldricks.co.uk/products/de...

I got Flexitol last week - quite impressed. Though the best I have ever had was Heel balm - and Aussie product I think. Not very user friendly though - like the Neutrogena hand stuff you can cut it with a knife easier than squeezing it out of a tube!

Telian profile image
Telian in reply toPMRpro

I’ve experienced having to answer questions but sure I got it through Amazon easily enough? Lasts that long can’t recall. It is in demand so always buy a big tub.

I’ve got Heel balm too from when in Oz and liked it, they seem to have a good selection of moisturisers over there that aren’t available to us. Not sure if that’s changing. They’re very precious about their products.

Flexitol is good - OH has a deep fissure (he’s diabetic) in his heel - works well - podiatry stress he must use a heel cream every day and do recommend Flexitol. I stopped buying it in the dispenser because it was so thick used to have to gently microwave the container to get any out. Buy the tub with a lid now.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply toTelian

The Oz Heel Balm I must have got in the UK - Superdrug maybe? Might even have been Boots - was a 3 for 2 offer.

Telian profile image
Telian in reply toPMRpro

Was a while back we were there, good to know it’s over here and 3 for 2 even better!

Urtica profile image
Urtica

Thanks for all your information, it is very useful.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Very dry skin

Hi - I know this is trivial by comparison - but I have very dry skin at the moment. I know it can...
Slosh profile image

Dry itching skin

Hi I have been struggling with very dry itching skin and rashes . I have tried everything to...
Caradomben profile image

Dry, flaky skin

Have been on Pred for 4.5 years for PMR. In the last few months my skin has become very dry and...
NursePeggy profile image

Skin discolouration

Hi all, has anyone had any problems with there skin, my legs are covered in little bruises and have...
Poppylop profile image

Dry skin with Flexiseq

Has anyone else suffered with this? Should I stop using Flexiseq? Sorry, I know this isn’t...
calibriel profile image

Moderation team

SophieMB profile image
SophieMBPartner

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.