dry skin and meds...

[dancesintherain]

hey there,

I know that dry mouth's a culprit of a lot of drugs...but anyone have a dry skin problem? I don't usually have this problem, but it's been pretty bad recently. I don't think it's the lamictal rash (I looked at pictures to make sure and it's definitely different).

If so, any recommendations other than the usual (lotion, moisturizer, etc.)?

thanks!

[meg]

this might seem really silly to mention-- but make sure that you're not using very hot water when you shower/wash your face/hands since that will really exacerbate it.

just a thought in passing since my dad had some really bad dry skin problems for a while and the doctors gave him rx's and creams with nothing working--- he finally gave up and went to a holistic guy, whose first question was 'how hot is the water in your shower?' and his problem was mostly solved, lol

not saying this is what's happening with you of course, just that you might want to try cooler water if you don't already. and hydratehydratehydrate of course.

luck,

m

[AirMarshall]

- Lamictal can cause dry mouth and dry skin.

- It is the very end of winter, with the very driest air of the year.

- Don't take long hot showers or baths.

a.m.

[Mindful Momma]

eucerin intensive therapy lotion is your best friend if you have extremely dry skin that is flaky and/or peeling or just plain ole feels really tight like you can't move. aquaphor is really good to use too but that's very goopy and not an everyday lotion like the eucerin.

if the lamictal is working and it's not the rash then just add a moisturizer to your everyday routine and call it a day. dry skin is a small price to pay for sanity, in my opinion anyway.

[olga]

I would also suggest that you increase the amount of water you are drinking. I have found that the best way to moisturize is from the inside. If you aren't drinking about a half-gallon a day, that might be why your skin is dry.

Also check your diet. You should be eating avocados, olive oil, walnuts, and other healthy oils.

I agree with everyone about hot showers. My dermatologist told me that Americans are ruining their skin with hot showers. Lukewarm is best and only for a few minutes. Use soap only on the stinky parts. Do not use soap on the face or neck. (I didn't make that up---my doctor told me all this.)

olga

[Ophelia]

I agree with everyone about hot showers. My dermatologist told me that Americans are ruining their skin with hot showers. Lukewarm is best and only for a few minutes. Use soap only on the stinky parts. Do not use soap on the face or neck. (I didn't make that up---my doctor told me all this.)

I've always had extremely sensitive skin that also had a tendency to get dry during the winter, any change in whether, other random things. Anyway, to go further on olga's soap thing, I would make an alternative suggestion. I use body washes that are soap-free... they are completely hypoallergenic. The two that have been my most recent favorites are Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash and Eucerin Calming Body Wash Daily Shower Oil.

[dancesintherain]

thanks everyone for the suggestions...I actually hadn't heard about the shower water thing and I take really hot showers usually. So I'll watch that one and pay attention to the other ideas. I'm afraid I have to leave for now, but I'll come back to take it to heart. It's not a problem I've had before, so I'm a little new to how to handle it.