Well, Melody.... sulfates are not the same as sulfites (metabisulfite,) or sulfonamides that he reacted to before. Sulfates are not allergenic.

But one cannot put Epsom lotion on broken skin...it will sting and hurt. (like rubbing salt into a wound).

That tiger balm you use is very high in menthol.
http://www.tigerbalm.com/us/pages/tb...t?product_id=3

But you should not put it on broken skin either.

Does Alan eat Omega-3's? low levels of EFAs really affect the skin negatively. Also does he take a vitamin tablet daily? The elderly should be taking Vit A and may become deficient if the diet is low. A Centrum Silver daily has the right amount...One should be careful with Vit A so don't take it singly...use the dose that is in a Multivit. You can buy Borage oil and open the capsule up and rub it in. I find that very good for dry skin areas. It provides GLA to the skin.(may fancy skin products contain GLA now).

Is he taking Vit D? Dovenex products on RX are just Vit D cream. You could try A and D ointment, the original baby diaper product...it can nourish the skin in topical form. (just do one arm as a test to see what happens.)
This brand only:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/10417312?w...187272&veh=sem