Question:
HELP! I need some great remedies for dry itchy skin.

I did search the database and found a few answers, but would like to know if anyone has some new suggestions for my dryl, itchy skin. I drink well over the 64 oz of liquid a day. Most of my liquid is water. I do not drink caffiene at all. I am almost 9 months post op and the past two weeks it is driving me crazy. I had a bout of hives last weekend and they have cleared up but I am still itching. I cut my fingernails down so I won't hurt myself too much. I have used Aloe Vera (with lidocane), Eucerin lotion and small amounts of hydracortizone cream. Before surgery, I had very fair, sensitive OILY skin, so this is new to me. Any help would be most appreciated.    — Dot W. (posted on June 11, 2000)

June 11, 2000
I had a small bout with dry flaky skin right after surgery resolved itself with baths in Vaseline intensive care beads and bath oils.. I use Retinol ASnti-Wrinkle cream around lips and eyes and Vaseline creamy kind with vitamin E for final coat before bed.. (under eyes & corners laugh lines etc..) Now, all was well until about three weeks ago.. I broke out in hives, whelps, itching palms and between fingers.. (usually that means money coming) well no, I think it was strawberries.. I took some chewable children Benedril and it left in two days as quickly as it came..umm I have not eaten strawberries since.. LOL not sure if that was the culprit or not.. I'll try them again in few weeks (with Benedril close by) ;-) <p> Open divided proximal RNY 12/8/99: Beginning weight 367 now 252..115 pounds gone forever... <p> <a href="http://www.angelfire.com/ok3/vbowen">Gastric Bypass Information,links and recipes</a><br>
   — Victoria B.

June 11, 2000
You might need a little more fat in your diet - like 2 teaspoons of Miracle Whip Light, or something similar. Also, always use lotion while still damp from the shower as it seals the water in. I personally use either baby oil or neutrogena dry oil for my dry skin. Good Luck.
   — Amber R.

June 11, 2000
I agree that you might be missing fat in your diet. Even though we aren't supposed to have much fat, our bodies still need a little. I, too, had oily skin before surgery, and now, dry! I am convinced it is from the huge cut in fat intake in my present diet. I eat regular cheese instead of lowfat (1 slice a day). I know my fat intake is still very low, but the cheese (or mayo with tuna) seems to help, and I am not going overboard on calories. Anybody also experience more sensitivity with the sun since surgery?? I BURN much easier it seems now!!!!
   — M B.

June 11, 2000
you should check with your doctor. some medical conditions can cause itching skin. he may want to draW blood to check your liver enzymes as well as thyroid. these are a couple of medical things associated with itching. it would be good to rule those out with a doctor. good luck
   — [Anonymous]

June 11, 2000
I have the answer!!! AVEENO lotion or cream,,,you will love it!! It moisturizes and stops itching and the smell is nice. Good Luck, it worked for me!
   — Kimberly R.

June 11, 2000
Since we don't absorb much in fats or oils, you'll need to replace the fat soluble vites in a non-oil way. There are dry forms of Vit A, D & E. 800IU of E should help, although I have ultra dry skin, so vary between 800-2000 a day. A is eyes, D is bones (and works to help absorb calcium), and E is hair, skin, nails & capillary walls. If you're a man, then it covers a LOT more territory. Are you using a good protein supplement with water? You could be experiencing a general nutritional shortage, as well.
   — vitalady

June 11, 2000
Hi diane w I had itchy skin and hives also this was not do to surgery. My dr. put me on DOXEPIN 100mg I don,t itch as long as I take it. It is also used for depresion and my dosage I believe is a mild one. Hope this info helps.Iam just getting started Idon't if my ins. will give the O.K.or not keep your fingers crossed for me I will for you. You are the first person I have e-mailed. Also I'am a computer dummy I don't know how I got this far so please besr with me. and e-mail me any time I would like to know if you get the med and if they helped your itching. BEST OF LUCK Ann Tucker
   — ann T.