It is important to understand that external factors can influence cracking of the skin. These include frequent hand washing, exposure to harsh chemicals, exposure to strong soaps, exposure to warm water, and exposure to compounds which you are allergic to. We will sometimes test patients to determine if they are coming in contact with an external compound which is causing the condition. From the standpoint of treatment, Vaseline with gloves is certainly one of the most effective therapies. Another good over the counter product is Aquaphor. There are some stronger medications than Fluocinonide cream to help along with a barrier cream to help prevent the condition called Tetrex.    « less

Thimerasol is not a common product in the environment any longer. Therefore, unless your son works in Thimerasol I think it is highly unlikely that this is causing his ongoing condition. There are creams to treat outbreaks which are often steroid or steroid-like products; however, there is also a cream that provides a barrier to help reduce the tendency to have outbreaks. That product is called Tetrex and certainly could be used. Also, there are other treatments that can help to prevent outbreaks. One of the newer modalities is laser therapy. Also, light therapy for the hands can be highly effective.    « less

You need to be extremely careful regarding the frequency of bathing. This can certainly result in increasing dryness of the skin. With regards to over the counter moisturizers there are many good products out there. The most effective of which Vaseline and Aquaphor are certainly two of them. Less greasy than these would be creams. Some of the common creams that are beneficial include Cetaphil, Eucerin, and Aveeno. Finally, another trick is after bathing to make sure to apply a moisturizer immediately.    « less

Over the counter products are limited in their effectiveness and therefore, are not as effective as products you could buy from a physician office or a prescription strength products. If you really want a prescription cream I would recommend stopping in at one of our SkinCare Centers and getting a product which will be much more effective and a lot cheaper than many over the counter products.   « less

The cost certainly will vary from practice to practice. Our practice charges per pulse which basically is per lesion treated. I think, in general, up to 25 pulses is $50. which is fairly reasonable. However, other practices could price in very different ways.   « less

This is suggestive of a condition called notalgia paresthetica. However, occasionally itching can indicate other signs or symptoms. There is no known cure for notalgia paresthetica and anti-itch preparations tend to be the most helpful treatment.   « less

Laser, chemical peels are two very effective ways to treat wrinkles. Very deep wrinkles are only going to be improved with this type of treatment. Also, there are fillers to fill in lines. It depends on location and severity. A product such as Sculptra is used for some diffuse volume loss in the face.   « less

Eczema can be a common problem among young people. There are many treatments now available to help control which are very safe. I recommend you see a dermatologist to develop a treatment plan.   « less

There are no easy ways to remove skin tags. Snipping is one way. Snipping with anesthesia. Also, freezing them off will work.

An acne peel can help but will not likely be the entire answer by itself given the fact that you have done so many things. I think you just need to be persistent until you find a regiment which will control your complexion.   « less