I have had seriously dry skin since I was a child, especially on my hands, feet and elbows. As a child my hands and feet were so dry they developed tiny painful cracks. The dermatologist told me I had contact dermatitis. Not only did my hands and feet hurt from the dryness and cracks, but the little cracks made my hands and feet look dirty. The more I washed, the worse the cracks got. During the cold, dry, Chicago winter’s my mother would put petroleum jelly on my hands and cover my hands with socks when I went to bed at night. This did not help me much. As I got older, I tried every over-the counter remedy for dry skin. A dermatologist gave me prescription cortisone lotion which only helped a little.
Finally, about 15 years ago I discovered a lotion that really helped. This was a prescription lotion called Lach-hydrin 12%. This lotion is now available over the counter at CVS drugs. The over the counter name is Amlactin lotion. It comes in a 7.9 oz bottle and costs about $15 dollars. It’s probably available on line if you do not have a CVS drugstore near you. Use it only on your body, especially hands, elbows, and feet, its too strong to use on your face.
This is what the label says “Amlactin moisturizing body lotion is a special formulation of 12% lactic acid neutralized with ammonium hydroxide to provide a ph of 4.5-5.5. Lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid, is a naturally occurring humectant for the skin. Amlactin moisturizing body lotion moisturizes, exfoliates and softens rough, dry skin.”
It gently exfoliates the outer layer of skin. It prevents calluses from building up on my feet and I am no longer embarrassed by the way my hands look in the winter and in the summer I can wear sandals and my feet don’t embarrass me. It works on elbows too.
I would be interested in hearing what results you have with Amlactin Lotion.
Nancy Goldblatt, is a professionally trained personal image consultant. She has a holistic approach and looks at the whole person. She specializes in working with women whose shape or size has changed and or who have lots of clothes and nothing to wear. She also works with men. If you are in Baltimore or surrounding areas including Washington, D.C. she can work with you “in person.” She offers a 30 minute telephone consult to help you determine if her services are right for you. Contact her at nrgoldblatt at gmail dot com or 410-235-5325.
