Extremely dry skin

[Bensnan]

Had a hysterectomy aged 47 and am now 61. I’ve had no symptoms menopause so I honestly don’t know when I went through it. I appreciate how lucky I am. However since I hit 61 my skin has suddenly become very dry. It started with a patch on my back and is now in several other areas. The worst is under my arms. They are so very dry and painful. I saw my doctor and reluctantly started on oestrogel. I’m not really happy about being on HRT and it doesn’t seem to have really helped. I’ve tried Aveeno for 6 weeks which didn’t improve anything. For the past 3 weeks I’ve been using Cera-Vie which relieves it when I put it on but a couple of hours later I’m sore again. Do any of you have any recommendations please? The doctor was a little dismissive and just said moisturise and try hair,skin and nail pills (which I am and which haven’t yet had any effect). Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

TBH it doesn't sound like 'normal' dry skin. Dry skin isn't usually sore or painful. to that extent.

I don't understand your dr giving you HRT .

First step should be a dermatologist.
It could be eczema or psoriasis.

Have you thought about any changes in washing powders or bath/ showering products that may have triggered it?

I'd ask to see a dermo but in some areas the waiting list is 2 or 3 years for non urgent things.
Could you afford to go privately?

Hi OP, my skin went insanely dry and sensitive due to hormones when I was pregnant with DC2.

Weleda Skin Food - the small darkish green tube - is the only thing I can tolerate on my wildly sore and sensitive skin. It smells lovely which worried me! But it soothes and softens like nothing else I've tried and doesn't sting at all.

Do see a dermo if you can, but also grab a tube of this and see if it helps. My fingers are crossed for you!