Dry skin help....PLEASE!

[kittycat1164]

I've had my arm in a cast since September 9. (actually several different casts but that's another story) I'll have it on through January. It's a long arm cast - from knuckles up to my arm pit and my fingers are soooooooo dry. I've tried St. Ives with Vitamin E, Aquaphor Healing ointment by Eucerin, cocoa-butter lotion, but nothing seems to be doing the trick. I need help people. They are cracking. I can't really bend my arm enough to soak them so that's out. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!!!!!!!!!!

[amazona]

1. have you tried Vermont Bag Balm?

The St. Ives, Eucerin, and cocoa butter lotion don't work for me either. Sometimes my fingers are so dry I can't bear to touch paper, and the Vermont Bag Balm really helps a lot. I apologize for the silly name. It comes in a green tin at the drugstore.

[kittycat1164]

2. gasp no....but I'll go get some!

Thank you! I'll try anything, silly name or not!

[The empressof all]

3. Bag Balm is amazing

It was initially developed to sooth cow udders believe it or not. Works great on my chapped skin and on my heels when they get rough. It not only soften but it sooths skin as well. I love this product.

My only complaint about it is that I wish they would make it smell pretty. It doesn't smell bad mind you-But I think it could smell nicer.

[mcscajun]

8. In addition to Bag Balm, there's Lotil cream

You can find them and other skin care remedies here:

http://www.vermontcountrystore.com/jump.jsp?itemType=CATEGORY&itemID=164


Feel better. :)

[shraby]

7. I was going to suggest bag balm too

you can also try vaseline and if you can get a glove over your fingers put the vaseline on with a glove over it.

[NC Beach Girl]

21. I also love the bag balm

Bag balm is really great stuff, the only thing that works on my elbows and heels!

[paula777]

4. Cetaphil lotion ... THE BEST lotion you will find

It's available at drug stores and it comes in a round plastic tub. It's about $12.00 and you will see results immediately

[CitySky]

9. Cetaphil is good stuff

-- it soothes the cracking eczema on my hand, between steroid applications!

but Aquaphor works great for me too, and you said it hasn't helped you. The Cetaphil is a little more lotion-like.

good luck!

[LiberalEsto]

11. Generic version of Cetaphil

is sold by K-Mart and CVS. It's about half the price and just as goo0d. Also great for taking off eye makeup.

[Nicole]

5. shea butter

works for me.

[LiviaOlivia]

6. Stay away from lotions with alcohol

Try jojoba oil or Shea butter. Bath or shower before sleeping and apply to damp skin. While you sleep is the best time for absorption.

[trotsky]

10. I have had great luck with Neutrogena Hand Cream.

I hate greasy lotions - this stuff works instantly, stays on, and works well.

[Dora]

12. Two product recommendations here

My husbands fingers and palms crack every winter because he's a drummer, and in 1998 he discovered Burt's Bees Gardener's Hand Salve, and it was a godsend.

An even better product is Arbordoun's Abundantly Herbal Calendula Cream, but it's hard to find. I picked up a sample size at a local store, but I've had to order it online from MotherNature.com since then. It's pricey, but it's worth it. I love using it on my face in the winter, and it's better at healing my husband's cracked hands than the Burt's Bees was. http://www.arbordoun.com/Products.html

[OldLeftieLawyer]

13. Slather Vaseline or Bag Balm or Aquaphora.......

............all over the affected parts, and then - no joke - wrap them in plastic wrap. Or slip on a rubber glove. Anything occlusive that will keep the lubricant, humectant, emolument from drying out before it's absorbed by your fingers.

Do it over and over.

Poor baby. Good luck.

[kittycat1164]

18. heehee, I'll have to cut the fingers out of the rubber glove

put the glove on then slather and put plastic over that so I don't get the cast all icky. jeeez this is a pain. thanks I'll try it!

edited for spelling (one handed typer here)

[Lex]

14. Also, as an ongoing treatment --

get some Omega blend essential oil softgels and take 4 per day for a while--your skin will respond really well to that.

[kittycat1164]

17. do I get that in the vitamin aisle?

thank you!

[Lex]

22. Yes, you should be able find it in the vitamin aisle.

Look for the "blend" of Omega 3 and Omega 6 essential oils, that way you'll get both and they are both good for the skin.

[kittycat1164]

23. thank you, I know where I'll be stopping after work n/t

[Blue Gardener]

15. My Favorites

Avon Moisture Therapy Intensive, or Burt's Bee's products. Also, anything with tea tree since it also has healing properties. You might have to go to a natural foods store to find the good products, (except for the Avon of course).

[EmperorHasNoClothes]

16. Have you tried regular Eucerin?

It's thicker than Aquaphor and, while it's a little greasy, it does a better job for me than the aquaphor ever did.

[kittycat1164]

19. my physical therapist recommended the auquphor

so, no, I haven't tried the regular yet.

[Nikia]

20. I use Hemp oil

Sun Dog Hemp oil lotion. It works great for me. I mainly use it on my face but also any extra dry spots like the back of my hands in this weather. I bought it for $9.99 for 8 oz so I don't know if you consider that affordable enough since it sounds like you have a lot of area to cover.