Question:
Does anyone have trouble with dry,cracking skin. My hands and feet are really bad

I think it because of malnutrition and maybe not getting enough water. I got to get this better it's getting so bad that I'm scared if I don't get it better I will get and infection due to the fact that I have so many open sores.    — KimEast_AL (posted on June 1, 2009)

June 1, 2009
I use Amlactin or the generic form. You will have to ask at your pharmacy for it. It is a little more expensive but worth it. My skin gets very dry and it hurts really bad and one of my pharmarist recommended this product. Best thing I have ever issue. If you have a Medicine Shoppe store in your area they will care the product in generice form. Good luck. Have a great day.
   — dsquire

June 2, 2009
Kim, you are on the right track to consider the reason behind your serious condition is malnutrition and lack of sufficient water. You need to really consider what you are eating and not consider only putting on a topical lotion you obtain from a pharmacy. We are what we eat. I used to suffer from really dry and cracked feet and white, hard, rubber-like elbows. Then, I started "oiling myself up" with lots and lots of Omega-3 fatty acids like those contained in flax seed oil, fish oil, and coconut oil. I've always paid attention to getting enough sleep (8 - 9 hrs a night), and drinking 96 oz. of water daily. Topical stuff can sort of help but still leaves you with the problem. I can tout many, many benefits. You can also look at my recent photo, and clearly see for yourself how fresh and youthful is my skin. I'll be 72 this summer and surely do not look this age. Kim, it takes a long time for the body to flush out the bad stuff so that your body can heal; but, if you commence immediately to really consider what you eat and make corrections, your health will dramatically improve your entire body. By all means, get some of that topical lotion mentioned to help right now; but, consider the long-term benefits of getting oodles of Omega-3 fatty acids. For me, this means (1) 1 to 3 1/2 Tablespoons of coconut oil daily added to my protein sources, or used as a dressing on my vegetables; (2) Flaxseed oil -- three to four softgels daily @ 1,250 mg each; (3) Fish Oil four 1,000 mg. softgels daily. Yes, you do need to consider the caloric content of "oiling yourself up" but the joy your skin and you will live with makes it all worth it in spades. Now, if your surgery is not of the mal-absorptive type (like RNY), then, you would not need this quantity. I had RNY 12-30-04, have reduced 150 lbs., and will have a life-long issue with malabsorption. Thus, you will continue to always need to rely on what your blood work tests show, and realizing that you, yourself, need to be your own best advocate. Hope this info is helpful to you. Blessings, Christine Gibson, MS, MA, OH Coach and OH WLS Support Group Leader, North West WLS Support Group, www.ObesityHelp.com/group/BellevueWA
   — Christine Gibson

June 2, 2009
Greetings Kim, here is an addendum to what I already posted. Another serious avenue is considering exactly how much protein you are getting daily. The realities you are seeing and feeling in your skin with so many open sores, could also be due to the fact you are not getting sufficient protein. There are many malnutrition signs which stem from inadequate protein. Again, if you go to my support group site (www.obesityhelp.com/group/BellevueWA, you will find extensive information on protein as well as the bioavailability of protein depending upon the source of protein. To this day, my daily protein (and this comes from a protein powder) is way in excess of 100 grams daily. I strive to keep my protein intake to roughly 130 grams daily, to adjust for the malabsorption issue I have because I had RNY surgery. I use food solely to enjoy the chewing. I also eat lots and lots of nuts (1/4 cup is lots to me) getting Omega-3 fatty acids from them, and enjoying chewing them to be as liquid as milk as well. If you have further questions, you can call me at any time (425-885-2634), or send me a personal e-mail -- [email protected].). Let me know how you are coming along. But, again, you, yourself must learn to become your own best advocate. Once you know the truth, the truth will set you free, and your body and you will greatly benefit. Blessings, Christine Gibson, MS, MA, OH Coach & OH WLS Support Group Leader, North West WLS Support Group.
   — Christine Gibson

June 2, 2009
Again, one more addendum, Kim. You can also use coconut oil on your skin. It has great healing power snd is such a wonderful natural resource. I use it on my face (and threw away all my expensive skin lotions 3 days after I started using coconut oil on my face). I use it on my hands, my feet, my legs ... everywhere. I use it when I scratch myself with shrubbery or from bee stings. Where do you get it? Vitamin Shoppe carries it. Or simply query coconut oil on the Internet and be introduced to an incredible natural resource which brings life to our bodies. Don't go looking for coconut oil in your grocery stores. A gallon costs around $60 depending on the source. For convenience, I get the 29 oz. size at Vitamin Shoppe. It melts at 76 degrees, and solidifies at 75.99 degrees and never needs to be refrigerated. I keep a container in my kitchen and regularly give sample containers of coconut oil to folks. They all try coconut oil once, and get hooked on the benefits just as I am. Blessings, Christine Gibson, MS, MA, OH Coach & OH WLS Support Group Leader. My picture? www.obesityhelp.com/member/ChristineGibson.
   — Christine Gibson