Ask A Doctor - Dermatology

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Q.
What are the causes and treatments for milia and chronic chapped lips in menopausal skin?
A.
Milia and dry chapped lips can occur in anyone, not just menopausal women. Milia are small cystic bumps that are harmless. Sometimes, overuse of heavy moisturizers and creams can play a role in their development. Treatment options for milia include Retin-A, Renova and cauterization. Chronic chapped lips are difficult to deal with and any over-the-counter product can exacerbate the condition. Licking your lips can also worsen this. Vaseline is okay to use There are some products that can be prescribed by a physician that may help chronic chapped lips.

Q.
Is there hand cream and foot cream to help with dryness of the elderly’s skin?
A.
There is a prescription cream called Lac-Hydrin which often will help dryness of the hands, the feet or anywhere else, in either an elderly or a young person. There is also an over-the-counter version of Lac-Hydrin which is not quite as strong called Am-Lactin. Alternatively, Neutrogena makes a fairly nice product specifically for the feet, as well as a product specifically for the hands. Other over-the-counter creams and moisturizers are sometimes of benefit such as Cetaphil and Aveeno. There are some skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema which appear dry but need different types of topical creams, lotions or oral medications.