serious skin sensitivity issues

Is anyone who had surgery within the past few months having problems with dry/sensitive skin? My skin is so bad right now- my own clothes rubbing on it are causing rashes! Right after my surgery (Dec 2nd) my skin was horribly scaly, but that started to clear up. Now that temps are dropping, my skin is just terrible! I used a hair remover on my legs that I'ved used for years, and it literally left burns on my skin! Is there some issue with lack of protein in the beginning that causes this? I have started a daily protein supplement that should make a difference soon. No hair loss yet, but I still can only eat small amounts of food. Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated! HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I had dry skin to start with, and it got a little worse right after the surgery. Try going to the dermatologist, he gave me prescription creams and lotions that solved the problem right away. The winter weather makes it worse, and try and incorporate a little fat in your diet...it helps!

Stacey, Even before I had surgery I had psoriasis which makes dry skin very dry. But the thing that also causes dry skin is not getting enough water My nutritionist recommends that we try to get in at least 64 ounces of water a day. its really tough and you have to do it gradually, but we are all suspeptible to dehydration because we take in so much less of everything. Do keep up with your protein, because cell regeneration can't happen without it, and that too can effect skin. Make sure you get a nutrition consult if youc an. They will be able to make sure you are getting the right amounts of food and supplements. Take Care, Kelly

I have psoriasis and had wls on 12/6/02, my incision scar has been clear for about 5 months. I just kept my creams on it and it did good. I would like to hear from people who has had plastic surgery and had psoriasis.

I understand that it's normal for postops to have very dry skin, mostly from the lack of fat in the diet and the reduced water intake. The cold dry weather aggravates it, making a bad condition worse. You can do 4 things that will improve the situation. 1. Increase water intake. Even if you think you are getting the correct amount, you may need more, since the body hydrates best from the inside out. 2. Do not take hot showers or baths; the cooler the water, the less drying to the skin. Also when showering or bathing, do not exfoliate the skin using Loofah or anything rough; sometimes even a washcloth is too rough. It's best to wash only the privates and any skin folds, feet and face with soap. Make sure you use something very mild, like nutrogena soap. 3. After bathing just gently pat skin dry. Do not rub! While skin is still very moist/wet seal the moisture in by using a good heavy moisturizer on the skin. I've used the nutrogena bath oil; I know a couple of people that swear by vaseline. The idea is to use something heavy enough to keep the moisture on the skin. 4. Increase the humidity in the home/environment. This can be as simple as pans of water on radiators, to humidifiers to expensive whole-house furnace mounted systems. Remember, the colder the outside air, the drier that air will be. irene

I haven't had your experience, but I'd highly highly recommend Shea Butter for your dry skin. The stuff is fabulous. The best I've found so far is L'occitane 100% Shea Butter. QVC carries it as well as Sephora and they have their own web site, l'occitane.com. Its pricey, but a little goes a long way and a tin lasts forever. Good luck. Linda

Stacey, I've gotten bad dry skin a few times, usually in the depths of winter but it's also I think related to my allergies. I've had two different dermatologists both recommending Cetaphil brand lotion. They also gave me the standard advices: The shower advice (quick and not hot), the soap advice (try something for "sensitive skin"), the towel advice (pat with the towel, don't exfoliate) and put the lotion on while you're still damp. And, drink your water. My dermatologist has also prescribed a creme for me for the real bad spots. I think that going to the dermatologist could be a good thing if you want to try to establish a history and get your insurance company to cover at least some of any "cosmetic" surgery you may need or want later. I am pre-op but I've read stories about some post-ops that really needed "cosmetic" surgery for health reasons, related to their skin health. It is, after all, our single biggest organ. By the way... we tend to think of dehydration being a big risk in the summer months (and it is) but it's also a risk in the winter... the "breath" we can see is water vapor, and the wind chill will dry us out too. Good luck, Jen