Q. What is the best over-the-counter product for dry skin?
A. My favorite treatment for dry skin is a product called Vanicream. It is a thick, unscented moisturizer that can be applied all over the body. Because it is free of fragrances, dyes and other irritants, it can be used by children, adults and those with sensitive skin. I use Vanicream on my hands every day after hand washing or using hand sanitizers.
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Q. I have one area of skin that is dry and flaky, what could it be?
A. An isolated spot of dry skin may be just that, xerosis! However, it could also be a patch of nummular eczema, a coin-shaped area of persistently dry skin, or a superficial fungal infection called tinea. Other more concerning dry, flaky lesions include precancerous lesions known as actinic keratoses or skin cancers called basal cell carcinomas or squamous cell carcinomas. Because of the risk of malignancy, it is important that any dry and flaky lesion lasting longer than two weeks is evaluated by a dermatology professional.
