Dry patches on Labrador

Question
I have a 5 year old Black Lab.  She has developed dry spots on each of her front 'elbows'.  All the hair is worn away and there is rough dry skin approximately one inch in diameter on each elbow.  She has recently started scratching these spots and causing them to bleed.  Is there anything I can put on the spots to make them less dry.

Answer
Any skin softener such as hand lotion or Vaseline should help if she doesn't lick it off.  You could try the paste form of Bitter Apple.  It may have a Vaseline base and be bad tasting enough she will leave it on.  Providing a softer surface to lay on may help.  Of course, many Labs chew up their bedding or insist on lying on a harder, but cooler surface.