I really need some help. I've suffered from unusually dry skin most of my life, but this year has been the absolute worst. Even during the humid warm days of summer my skin was peeling and flaking. Now that it's getting colder outside I feel like I'm in a losing battle. I take quick warm (not hot) showers and apply lotion all over as soon as I get out. An hour later, I go to use the restroom and pull down my pants and it's like its snowing, my skin has dried out and is flaking off already. I've tried vaseline, baby oil, olive oil, and every lotion and cream I could get my hands on, but nothing is working. The skin on my legs and arms are the worst. Sometimes my skin will crack open and bleed, but usually it just looks like a severe case of dandruff all over my body. My skin feels very tight and itches. Shaving my legs is my most hated chore now, when I'm finished my legs itch and hurt so much. This is taking a huge toll on my confidence, I won't even let my husband see me naked anymore. Is there any one else out there with this problem? Should I see a doctor or will he just tell me this is something I will just have to live with?

I would see a doctor maybe he can prescribe you a lotion or a medication to help you, I'm sure he will at least have advice for you or something that can help at least a little. Especially with the cracking and bleeding there may be an underlying cause your doctor can determine. Hope you feel better soon!

Yes, you should see a dermatologist. There's a lot of factors that causes dry skin, such as changes in the weather, harsh chemicals in soaps or detergents, and heaters and air conditioning. Also, a skin condition like eczema or even genetics can play a role in development of dry skin. It seems to me that your dry skin is due to a genetic condition, but only a dermatologist can determine the cause of it. So make an appointment to see a dermatologist. In the mean time, apply a moisturizer regularly. I recommend using a moisturizer called Eucerin. This will help to heal and protect your dry skin.