Major dry skin problems since WLS

I have had major dry skin problems since WLS with redness and itching. Has anyone else experienced this? I have been to the dermatologist and still continue to have the same problem. Is it from lack of moisture in my skin or what?? I would appreciate any suggestions. I have tried Aveeno, Eucerin, Vaseline Intensive Care, taking Biotin etc. I am itching my dry skin sometimes in my sleep!

I haven't had any major dry skin problems yet, although I did start using Olay regenerist on my face. Dry skin can definitely be a part of lack of water. If you are drinking your 64 oz of water, try upping it a couple more glasses. I know it's hard to get in the water, but that might help. Also, I'm not sure where you live, but if you have turned on your heat that will dry out your skin as well. Again, up your water. We need more water in the colder months than we do in the summer due to the dry heat in our homes. Here are some hints for dry skin (from Bella handmade soap). Stay away from antibacterial and deodorant soaps. Not only are they very drying to the skin and can clog pores, they leave a soap film and over-use of any antibacterial product will eventually not be effective. (just like antibiotics) Bathing properly can also help. Follow these steps: Soak rather than shower -- Most people use hotter water for showers than for tub bathing. But ho****er can dry skin. Experts used to think frequent bathing was drying to skin. Now they recommend daily soaking, immersed for 10 minutes in water no warmer than about 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Pat dry -- First brush away excess water with your hands. Then pat or blot your skin with a towel -- never rub. Leave your skin moist. Apply a moisturizer -- (Seal moisture into your skin by applying bath oil/moisturizer to still-damp skin). Try to do this within 3 minutes before your skin dries completely. There are two types of dry skin. Simple dry skin and complex dry skin. Simple dry skin is a result from a lack of natural oils. This condition most often affects people under the age of thirty to forty. Complex dry skin lacks both oil and moisture. Fine lines, brown spots, enlarged pores and sagging skin are signs of complex dry skin. The proteins that make up the skin are elastin, collagen and keratin. These protein's may be damaged by exposure to sun. Dry skin tends to be dull-looking, scaly and flaky and develops wrinkles and fine lines easier. Chapping and cracking are signs of extremely dry, dehydrated skin. A balance of oil and moisture are crucial for healthy, attractive skin. Oil is secreted by the sebaceous glands and lubricates the skin's surface. Moisture is the water present inside the skin cells, and comes to the cells through the bloodstream. It is the water in the skin cells that keeps them plumped up, healthy, and young looking. Oil and moisture work together. There must be enough moisture in the skin cells, but there must also be enough oil to act as a shield, preventing excessive evaporation of moisture from the skin's top layers. Nutritional deficiencies, especially Vitamin A and the B Vitamins, also cause dry skin. Drinking plenty of water every day will help keep your skin hydrated. Eating raw vegetables and fruits is recommended as well. Yellow and orange vegetables are high in beta-carotene which is a source of Vitamin A. Foods high in sulfur, help keep the skin smooth. Good sulpher sources are garlic, onions, eggs and asparagus. At least twice a week, exfoliate to remove dead skin cells and boost circulation. Moisturize as many times a day as you feel necessary. Use a liquid moisturizer or a facial oil that has nutrients and other natural ingredients. Stay away from solid or waxy type creams. Look for products that contain humectants such as glycerine and Vitamin E. Humectants attract moisture to the skin. In the winter, using central heat is very drying to the air, thus drying the skin even more. Make sure you use a humidifier or place cups of water throughout your home to put moisture back in the air. You may try using a facial mask once a week to clarify your skin and remove dull, dry skin. Honey is a good "in your cabinet" facial mask. You can mix the honey with a clay such as green clay powder. One teaspoon of each should be mixed and applied for about fifteen minutes. Rinse with warm water and apply moisturizer to still damp skin. Remember......Never use HO****er!!! Good luck and I hope this helps a little. Debra 239/182/125

It is my understanding that dryskin accompaninies the surgery from lack of water. I'm seeing a dermitologist. Our bodies have went through a major change. Please consult your surgeon. Renee'

I had similar problems. I was well hydrated and used moisurizers like crazy. Then someone mentioned using DRY Vitamin E. I started at 400mg per day for about a week. That didn't help so I upped it to 800mg per day in two doses. THAT helped!!! Very little itchy read skin anymore! WhoooHooo! Oh, the reason for the DRY Vitamin E is that we don't absorb the regular Vitamin E. It is oil based and we don't do very well with that. The Dry Vitamin E gets absorbed quite well. Good luck! Keetara Germantown, MD Lap RNY, 6-15-2005, 150 cm bypassed Dr. Barry Greene Sept. 2004 327 Highest 6-14-2005 265 Day before Surgery Current 200 Goal 145 Total lost -127