Dry Skin after a Complete Hysterectomy?

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Hi Michelle! When it comes to dry skin, I have found that the best route to go is to find a way to moisturize from the inside out. We can slather lotions on our bodies all day long, and they can offer some short-term relief, but they are not really getting at the root of the problem. What I have found works really really well is to take a flaxseed oil supplement everyday. Flaxseed oil contains a huge amount of an essential fatty acid called Omega 3, which has been shown to help with skin conditions, as well as a host of other things. I order my flaxseed oil from a great company in Fountain Hills, Arizona called BioNatures: www.bionatures.com You can get either liquid oil or capsules. I take about 5 caps a day and have really noticed a difference. It might take a couple weeks to build up in your system, but I've found that I'm using way less lotion since adding flaxseed oil to my list of supplements. Good luck to you!

Thanks for your question Michelle. You don't mention specific areas where your skin is dry, but I had some luck with an old-school product called Bag Balm after I had a cast removed from my leg about two years ago.

Also, here are a few tips from the American College of Dermatology on how to prevent dryness.

Each day when you take your bath or shower, try to use lukewarm water. Hot water dries out the skin. Try to limit your time to fifteen minutes or less in the bath or shower. Bathing should be done no more than once a day. If you bathe too frequently you will remove the natural oils from the skin causing dryness.

Avoid using harsh soaps that dry the skin. Recommended soaps are Dove, Olay and Basis. Even better than soap are skin cleansers such as Cetaphil Lotion, Oilatum-AD and Aquanil.

Deodorant soaps are often very harsh and drying. If you need them, limit their use to areas that develop an odor such as the armpits, genital area, and feet.

Avoid vigorous use of a washcloth in cleansing. When toweling dry, do not rub the skin. Blot or pat dry so there is still some moisture left on the skin.

Next apply a moisturizer to the skin. The best time to do this is immediately after a bath or shower so that the moisturizer holds in the moisture from the shower. Choose either Cetaphil Cream, Moisturel Cream, or Eucerin Cream. If you have severely dry skin, apply an oil to the still moist skin such as Neutrogena Light Sesame Oil, Hermal Body Oil, Alpha-Keri Oil or Robathol, then apply a moisturizing cream and also apply the moisturizer at bedtime.

All areas that are exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, hands, and back of the neck should have a moisturizer containing sun block or a sunscreen of SPF 15 or greater applied daily.

For laundry, use "All-free", "Tide-free" or "Cheer-free" detergents. Avoid using fabric softeners, especially in the dryer. Keep irritating fabrics away from your skin. Don't wear clothing made of wool or other "scratchy" fabrics. Use cotton percale sheets on your bed.

Use a humidifier in your home during the central heating season. If sweating causes itching, modify your activity and surroundings to minimize sweating. Work and sleep in a fairly constant temperature (68-75o F) and humidity (45-55%). Remember to keep drinking plenty of water and other liquids to keep your skin moist from the inside, too.

What products have you tried so far Michelle? Have you found that some work better than others? If so, which ones?