I have scaly skin on my arms buttox and legs. Is laser skin resurfacing a good choice for me?

Question

I have a lot of stretch marks that are also in these areas. I'm mainly concerned about the scaliness and overall roughness of my skin. In winter I get dry patches that are flaky. Although I use creams and lotions daily it doesn't seem to be helping. A dermatologist told me that I may need chemical peels What should I be researching in order to treat this? I want to be able to wear a dress or skirts.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Tatiana Khrom, MD · Answer

You may have a condition called Keratosis Pilaris.  This is a common genetic skin condition that causes rough patches and small, acne-like bumps, usually on the arms, thighs, cheeks and buttocks. Keratosis pilaris bumps are usually white, sometimes red, and generally don't hurt or itch. Keratosis pilaris can be frustrating because it's difficult to treat. However, keratosis pilaris isn't often serious and usually disappears by age 30. In the meantime, the use of a daily exfoliator and monthly peels may be of benefit.  Hope this helps

Karen Stolman, MD · Answer

If your dry skin is not responding to a good body moisturizer (Cetaphil or CeraVe cream) used twice a day, then I would suggest you see a dermatologist to get evaluated for possible eczema or ichthyosis which can present as chronic, stubborn, recurrent dry skin in these places.  Chemical peels are not usually done on dry skin of the buttocks and legs.  Some people with eczema have skin allergies.  Some people with ichthyosis have a family history of this problem (fish-scale-like dry skin). So your problem could be more complicated. You need a proper diagnosis first, and then an appropriate treatment can be selected.  In the meantime, avoid long hot baths, showers, hot tubbing, perfumes or dyes, which all can aggravate dry skin.  If you have health insurance, your skin problem should be covered as a medical dermatology visit.Good Luck !

I have scaly skin on my arms buttox and legs. Is laser skin resurfacing a good choice for me?

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I have scaly skin on my arms buttox and legs. Is laser skin resurfacing a good choice for me?

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Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

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