Dry Skin

I have a patch of very dry skin on my leg just above the ankle (scar tissue from an old injury).  The dry skin is apparently irritated by sweaty cotton socks.  This summer, it developed an eczema-like scaling that proceeded to get infected (staph) and become a real problem.  The dermatologist gave me antibiotic pills (doxycycline) and steroid (fluocinonide) cream to get the infection under control but vowed that the real long term cure was petroleum jelly applied to wet skin (wet skin is important) to keep the skin from drying out.  The dermatologist says that he would be out of business if his patients really followed his advice on this.  He is an advocate of low tech medicine.

It took months (and perhaps cool weather) for my infection to heal but I am using the PJ faithfully twice a day after each shower.  I am trying to do my part to put the good doctor out of business.  So far so good.  A side benefit is that I rub the left over PJ into my hands and it helps them too.

TW

Andrea,

Probably it is an age thing with guys.  I was a self-lubricated grease-ball until age 50.  No need for lotion, just lots of strong soap to take the shine off.  Now things are different.  There's not much to recommend about getting old.

TW

Lube up, dear!  I require lotion as my hands will crack open without it. 

First step is to use Dove soap.  Dove really is the best and is recommended by dermatologists.  They have an unscented version.  That will be your first step towards reducing the dryness.  Try to keep your shower from being scalding hot, as that removes moisture as well.

After your shower, use a good face lotion (I like Olay oil-free with vitamins and spf 15) and a hydrating body lotion.  You need the spf to prevent sun damage.  Yes, my husband uses it too. ;-)  Apply the body lotion after the face lotion to keep from getting it on your face.  Body lotion tends to be more irritating and heavy than face lotion - fine for elbows, but hard on your face.  For body lotion, something like Jergens or Lubriderm is fine.  Get at least the medium level moisturizing up to the heavy duty moisturizing (there's a guide on the back of most bottles).  I find it easiest to get the big bottle with the pump on it.  After you've moisturized your face, do your body.

I tend to have smaller empty bottles hanging around so I usually pump lotion into those and carry them with me rather than buying smaller sizes of lotion.  Lube up again after swimming and showering.  If you don't, you'll start feeling that cracking sensation ...

Happy moisturizing!