Hello.  I need some advice about one of my fert's dry skin.  Fezzik just had
adrenal surgery last week.  He'd demonstrated practically every symptom,
including the normal loss of fur and thinning of skin.  Unfortunately, since
he got back from the vet he's got a spot on his back where that thin,
hairless skin has gotten really dry.  It's obviously itching him, which only
causes him to scratch and lick at it, making it worse.  It's cracking and
peeling, and looks downright uncomfortable.  I could use some advice on how
to help it heal.  I've tried both a bath oil and a lotion that I knew were
safe - unfortunately, these just encouraged him to lick more.  His favorite
spots are right near air vents (we have forced hot air), so a better
humidifier isn't likely to help enough (he'd still be getting the dry hot
air from the vents, and there's a limit to how much better we could make the
place).  We tried making a ferret t-shirt, hoping that that would keep him
from getting at that spot, but he got it off in no time.  I'm sure it'll
clear itself up eventually, but I'd like to try and spare him the itchiness.
Also, I'm a little afraid of him scratching at it enough that he leaves it
open to an infection.  Anyone have any suggestions?
 
-Rochelle
[Posted in FML issue 1821]