Is AmeriGel Care Lotion The Answer For Hydrating Dry Skin?

While some patients may only see dehydrated feet as a minor nuisance, it can lead to further problems such as fungal infections and ulcerations. However, one emerging product can not only combat anhidrosis but may be helpful in treating a variety of skin problems, including psoriasis and icthyosis. Podiatrists are turning to AmeriGel Care Lotion to solve an array of skin problems, citing its particular effectiveness with patients who have diabetes. The lotion, which contains Oakin™ or oak extract, is “the first and only antimicrobial, antifungal, antiinflammatory and antipruritic lotion” formulated to treat everything from chronic dry tinea to foot odor, according to the product’s manufacturer, AmerX Health Care Corporation. “I think the fact that AmeriGel Care Lotion is both moisturizing and antimicrobial/antifungal gives it a distinct advantage over other lotions,” says Michael Fine, DPM, who is board-certified in podiatric medicine and surgery by the American Board of Medical Specialties in Podiatry. AmerX Health Care says the lotion is a dimethicone-based moisturizer, exfoliant and keratolytic agent that is petrolatum-free, lanolin-free, fragrance-free and dye-free. In addition to Oakin, the lotion contains urea, which builds moisture and conditions the skin, and micronized zinc oxide, which helps protect the skin. Unless a person has a known sensitivity to oak, the lotion is mild enough to be used anywhere on the body yet is effective enough to treat corns and calluses, according to AmerX Health Care. The company says many podiatrists use the lotion adjunctively for anhidrosis and also use it to address dehydrated skin after removing a patient’s cast. A Closer Look At The Lotion’s ‘Amazing Versatility’ Lori Fannin, DPM, prescribes the lotion for both therapeutic and preventative treatments for difficult skin conditions. She says she has used the lotion to help treat icthyosis, psoriasis plaque formations and brawny edematous skin that needed more elasticity. From a preventative standpoint, Dr. Fannin says one can use the lotion to help prevent tinea infections and the formation of bullae that may lead to ulceration. “The versatility (of AmeriGel Care Lotion) is amazing,” says Dr. Fannin, who practices in Galion, Ohio. Deborah Jones, DPM, says she prescribes the lotion to “any patient with dry, flaky skin,” especially those patients who still have dry skin despite trying “everything at the drug store.” Dr. Jones, who has a practice in Miramar, Fla., says AmeriGel Care Lotion is an “excellent choice for diabetics” because of the level of moisture it can provide as opposed to over-the-counter products. She describes the case of a 66-year-old diabetic patient who had vascular insufficiency in her right lower extremity. “When I first saw her, she was suffering from recurrent ulcerations of her right ankle due to dryness of the skin,” recalls Dr. Jones. “Since she started to use AmeriGel Care Lotion two years ago, she has not had one ulcer.” Getting Results Dr. Jones has been using the product since 1999 and says patients who have tried the lotion have been very pleased with the results. “It is the only lotion that I dispense in my office,” adds Dr. Jones. Dr. Fine has been prescribing the lotion for about three years and says he usually sees an improvement after two or three weeks of twice-a-day applications. He notes that the lotion is “useful for softening hyperkeratotic lesions, such as corns and calluses, and making them easier to debride.” “I recommend AmeriGel Lotion to approximately 60 percent of my patients that have dry skin, fissures and hyperkeratotic lesions,” notes Dr. Fine, who practices in N. Kansas City, Mo. Dr. Fanning says some of the results she has seen from prescribing the lotion include increased elasticity and skin turgor, micro-repair of dry skin damage and resolution of minor tinea and prevention of recurrences. Ms. Garthwait is a freelance writer who lives in Downingtown, Pa.