Need Help.... Dry skin around fistula arm

[youngdrew]

I was wondering if anyone has a suggestion for a lotion to use on my dialysis arm. The skin is unbelievably dry. I use CeraVe on my face and that works fine. I was just thinking there may be something better out there specifically for people on dialysis. Thanks in advance for any help!

[lmunchkin]

Well Drew, is this fistula new or have you had it for awhile?  I believe your phosphorus may be on the high side, but you can use any kind of lotion on your fistula.  As long as it is scabbed over or is not seeping blood in any way, you can use just any kind of lotion you want!  Hope that helps!

lmunchkin

 

[CebuShan]

I have the same problem. I use "Bag Balm". It was originally developed for use on cow's udders but now you can find it in a lot of stores. I think we got ours at Farm & Fleet but I think Wal-Mart also carries it. It's thick like Vaseline but it works great!

Good Luck!

[willowtreewren]

There is a good lotion called Sarna. It is expensive, but really works.

Another suggestion I have read is to buy a cheap hair conditioner. After showering, put it on your skin and don't rinse it off. When my husband was on dialysis he had problems with dry skin even though his labs were good. He was just about to give the hair conditioner a try when he got a transplant.

I hope you find a way to solve the dryness. I know it can really be aggravating.

Aleta

[Marsh]

I use a lotion with Cocoa Butter.  Really help!

[MooseMom]

While my mom was on D, one of the techs told her that she had a 90 year old patient who used Eucerin and that her skin looked remarkable.  I've started using it myself, and I really like it.  I've got 3 bottles stationed around my house so that it's always in reach! 

[cariad]

I have been suffering from severely dry skin ever since my transplant. I use either Aveeno or Lubriderm, and if I have the time I use coconut oil because it is contains no chemicals and is organic. The coconut oil works best, but it can be a bit messy, and if you hate the scent of coconut, you'd be hosed. Also, you're supposed to rinse it off after about an hour.

Good luck! It's an awful problem and what works for one person may not work for you, so there's a fair bit of trial and error involved.

[jbeany]

Yeah, you might want to shop in the trial size section first. 
I second the vote for anything with real cocoa butter - it comes with the added bonus of lessening scar tissue, so that's good if you don't like the way the fistula scars look, too.

[lmunchkin]

Yes Sarna is a good one.  I had forgotten Eucerin, but that was highly recommended by the Wound Care Center.  It worked excellently!!!

lmunch

[jazzin11]

I've used Eucerin with good results, I got my first sample at my dialysis center, then bought at Wal-Mart. Good Stuff!