Welcome to the board Suzy.
I have what I think of as moderate IV as well. As it happens, I also have a sibling (a younger sister) who also has IV, as does my father.
In Canada we are entering the winter months when trying to treat my IV is the most challenging. I would have thought that in the Southern hemisphere it would be the beginning of the "happy season" with the onset of summer, but I guess that really depends on local climate.
Winters have become a lot easier for me since
I started using Urea-based creams about 20 years ago. It has worked better for me than any other humectant or exfolliant. I use a lotion that combines 10% urea with 5%AHA (lactic acid) on my entire body except my face. On my face, which is less affected, I use a 1% Urea lotion in the winter. My feet are a particular problem in the winter as they are especially prone to thickening skin and cracking. There I use a 25% Urea cream as well.
I layer all these urea lotions with a thick moisturizing lotion.
Another major improvement to my skin happened when I switched from use moisturizing *bar soaps* to moisturizing mild liquid *body washes*.
During problem months, if I have persistent scaling, I also find that salt baths aid the removal of "stuck-on" scaling. Not only does this allow me to feel better about the appearance of my skin, but it also allows the lotions I use to be more effective.
Although you may already have tried some or all of what I just mentioned, I wanted to describe my skin regimen as, you and I have the same type of ich, and have to contend with 'less than ideal' climates.
BTW dump the GP. [img]
http://www.ichthyosis.com/ubb/wink.gif[/img] I'm aghast that a doctor whould say "Eeww" when seeing any medical condition. A doctor should know that such an exclamation can be hurtful to the patient especially if it is a chronic condition that the patient has been dealing with for a long time. I have heard enough of that kind of reaction from strangers, and I would be quite taken aback if I had to deal with it also in a doctor's office. In addition to professionalism and expertise, I expect compassion, decency, and tact from medical professionals. It's disheartening to read that you had to deal with such a comment from a doctor. If that happened to me, that doctor would forthwith see the last of me and my medical file. Well, that's my editorial for today. [img]
http://www.ichthyosis.com/ubb/smile.gif[/img]
I hope your skin soon becomes manageable again.
[This message has been edited by gryphon (edited December 02, 2006).]
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