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Dry skin after a hysterectomy

Question : I AM an Indian woman aged 52. I had a hysterectomy in 1988 due to excessive bleeding. My problem now is dry skin and it really irritates me.

Answer : HYSTERECTOMY, or removal of the womb, can cause oestrogen production to decrease, which in turn can cause dryness of the skin.

You may supplement yourself with evening primrose oil. Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) has been shown to help reduce inflammation and dryness. GLA is a polyunsaturated fatty acid from the Omega-6 (n-6) series. It is useful in the control of water permeability of the skin, thus preventing dry skin.

Your skin needs a good balance of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients in order to function and remain healthy. Adequate exercise helps improve circulation and move waste and nutrients through the system.

Eat a healthy diet and get plenty of exercise to keep your skin healthy and youthful. Beta-carotene and vitamin C may benefit the skin. Vitamin C is essential for the making of collagen and connective tissues to firm the skin. Vitamin E has been shown to slow down the ageing of the tissues.

Zinc is important for the normal function of the skin's sebaceous glands to ensure smoothness for the skin.

You should at least drink six to eight glasses of purified water throughout the day to hydrate the skin and circulate essential nutrients. Fruit and vegetable juices are excellent as well.

When in the sun, apply a sunscreen with a SPF of at least 15. Avoid astringents and skin toners, unless they are specially formulated for dry skin. Lotions containing aloe vera help restore skin moisture.