Very dry scaly skin

[Urtica]

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

[PMRpro Ambassador]

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.

[Hidden]

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 Ambassador in reply to Hidden]

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...

[Hidden in reply to PMRpro]

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 in reply to Hidden]

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⛑

[Hidden in reply to jinasc]

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

[jinasc in reply to Hidden]

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.

[Hidden in reply to jinasc]

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

[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 in reply to SusyTe]

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

[SusyTe in reply to Urtica]

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

[lizzyek]

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

[Urtica in reply to lizzyek]

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

[lizzyek in reply to Urtica]

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 in reply to lizzyek]

Thanks very much for your reply

[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 in reply to Paulamac77]

Thanks for your recommendation.

[dphu]

I find Vaseline good too.

[Urtica in reply to dphu]

Do you use it just at night?

[Constance13 in reply to dphu]

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

[dphu]

Yes, night is best for me

[ParsnipSoup]

I have recently been using Aveena and found it excellen

[Writeratlarge]

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

[Urtica in reply to Writeratlarge]

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 in reply to Urtica]

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 in reply to Writeratlarge]

Thanks

[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 Ambassador in reply to Telian]

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 in reply to PMRpro]

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 Ambassador in reply to Telian]

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 in reply to PMRpro]

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

[Urtica]

Thanks for all your information, it is very useful.