dry scaley skin on legs

[duckies1962]

I suffer badly with dry skin on my legs
Its red and very scaley ,im surprised it hasnt split
Im currently using diprobase but wondered if i should be using something else for it please?
Id be grateful for any suggestions

[wendygreen]

Hi,

Diprobase should certainly help, but lifestyle changes could also make a difference.

Avoid using very hot water and harsh shower gels or foam baths, as they strip the skin of its moisture and natural lipid barrier. Use lukewarm water and mild soap-free cleansers to reduce skin damage.

Apply an emollient (such as Diprobase) after washing and at least once more each day.

Always wear a sunscreen when exposing your legs to the sun to prevent sun damage and exacerbation of the dryness.

Apply an emollient before swimming in the sea or a chlorinated pool to protect your skin from their irritant and drying effects.

Another good way to moisturise your legs is to apply an emollient at night and then wrap your legs in cling film, cover with a pair of long socks and leave on overnight.

Also, as I've mentioned in my previous posts in this clinic, make sure you include plenty of healthy fats in your diet to help lubricate your skin from within; for example salmon, sardines, mackerel, Brazil nuts, almonds, walnuts, avocados, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, rapeseed oil and olive oil. If you don't like these foods consider taking an Omega 3,6 & 9 oils supplement.

I hope this helps.

[Dr Dev Shah]

Dry skin on the legs is common.

I would agree with previous advice.

Think about the emollient you are using. Skin needs to be hydrated (via humectants like urea) and then prevented from drying out with occlusives (like vaseline).
I would try balneum plus cream as a start and then ask your pharmacist or GP what creams have both urea and a paraffin or dimethicone base.

Good luck

Best wishes

Dev Shah
Consultant Dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon
drdevshah.com

[Dr Walayat Hussain]

Thanks for getting in touch. If you have a tendency to develop dry skin then in reality lifestyle changes don't seem to make a huge difference. Regular application of a moisturiser is the best way forward. Generally the greasier the better. Something cheap like Vaseline is just as good as any of the more expensive brands out there. You may prefer to use something like almond oil or coconut oil as the fragrance is nice! Good luck.

[Dr Anton Alexandroff]

I am so sorry to hear about your problem. It sounds very distressing!
Moisturisers (and moisturising soap substitutes such as E45 wash or even emulsifying ointment, which becomes soapy if you lather it with warm water) are of course useful and should be used on a regular basis. But if this is not sufficient you may consider seeing your family doctor or a dermatologist because you may need topical corticosteroids if it is severe eczema, or specilaised treatment for psoriasis e.g. Enstilar foam, if it is psoriasis.

I hope this might be of help.

with very best wishes,

Dr Anton Alexandroff CCT(Dermatol) FRCP(UK) FAAD FRSM
Consultant Dermatologist and Senior Lecturer
Member of British Association of Dermatologists
De Montfort University, Leicester Spire Hospital, Leicester Nuffield Health Hospital, Bedford BMI Manor Hospital
www.alexandroff.org.uk