… General
- Trim nails short or wear white cotton gloves all the time.
- Do not use creams other than those recommended by your doctor.
- Avoid powders and rubbing alcohol.
… Clothing
- Wash all new clothes and linens 3 to 5 times before use.
- Use unscented laundry detergents:
- All Free & Clear
- Tide Free
- Cheer Free
- Arm & Hammer Unscented
- Wisk Free
- Purex Unscented
- Do not use any fabric softener in the washer/dryer.
- Use 1/4 teaspoon of white vinegar in the rinse cycle of the washer instead.
- Avoid tight-fitting clothes.
… Bathing
- Bathe once a day in lukewarm water for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Only use your hands/finger tips
- No Loofa Pad
- No Scrubbing with a towel.
- No Soap on inflamed/irritated areas
- Soaps are rarely needed.
- When Soap is used, use one of the following:
- Neutrogena Unscented Bar [*author’s addition]
- Dove for Sensitive Skin
- Cetaphil for Sensitive Skin
- Vanicream cleanser (ask pharmacist)
- Oilatum AD liquid cleanser
… After Bathing
- Pat skin dry only.
- Do not rub skin.
- If Prescribed Medicated Ointments, apply to the affected areas while skin is still damp.
- Apply moisturizing cream to the entire body, including areas treated with your Prescribed Medicated Ointment.
- Avoid Lotions, moisturizing creams are much more effective.
- We recommend:
- Absorbase Emollient [Unsented, Non-Medicated Base]
- Vanicream
- Hydrophor
- Cetaphil Cream
- Aveeno Cream
- Vaseline Petroleum Jelly
… Cream Schedule
- Apply moisturizer generously to all skin two to three times a day.
… Decrease use of medicated ointments, as skin improves.
… Continue with moisturizer creams, once a day minimum.
VA Medical Center
Dermatology Section
Minneapolis, Minnesota
July 2004