DEAR DR. GOTT: Tell your readers that A&D Ointment is absolutely wonderful to use on dry areas, such as fingertips, cracked heels, hands, elbows and more. I get cracks in my heels. I have learned to wear only 100 percent cotton socks and not to wear sandals too frequently. Open sandals quickly contribute to dryness and dirt.
I soak the affected area in warm, soapy water (using mild soap) before bedtime, apply the ointment, and then put on the socks. It is amazing how much healing occurs during one night. It can be repeated as often as needed and is also inexpensive and safe.
I have tried this with Vaseline and have found that it doesn’t have the same healing power.
DEAR READER: A&D Ointment is primarily marketed as a diaper-rash treatment but also claims to work well on dry, chafed skin and other minor irritations, which are not limited to infants and toddlers.
The active ingredients accounting for 68.9 percent of the product are petrolatum and lanolin. Inactive ingredients making up the remaining 31.1 percent include cod-liver oil (the source of the vitamins A and D), fragrance, light mineral oil, microcrystalline wax and paraffin.
Petrolatum and lanolin are common ingredients in moisturizers. They protect, soften, and rehydrate skin. Paraffin, wax and mineral oil help create a barrier to prevent loss of moisture. I’m not sure what topical cod-liver oil is good for other than moisturizing, but as I have reported in my column, many find that taking it internally helps maintain good health, improves vitamin A and D deficiencies, eases arthritis symptoms and more.
I have printed your letter because the product is indeed safe and inexpensive, since many retailers carry store-brand versions. This may be a good first choice for treating and preventing finger cracks as well as other minor skin irritations and problems.
To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Dermatitis, Eczema & Psoriasis.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order made payable to Newsletter and sent to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092-0167. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form off my website at www.AskDrGottMD.com.
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