Dry Skin Prevention---------The Winter Itch Is Coming

Winter is coming, and shortly after the cold weather arrives Dr. Treen will be seeing the annual surge of people troubled by dry, itchy winter skin.

As the relative humidity falls, some people will develop dry skin. Often, when the skin becomes itchy and irritated people make the problem worse by trying to treat their skin with long, hot baths or showers. Unfortunately, prolonged or excessive bathing will remove the natural oils and waxes, which are necessary to protect the skin and to reduce the rate of water evaporation from the skin.

Another common mistake is the use of soaps, bubble bath, and the use of washcloths and scrubbing pads. Unless the skin is visibly dirty, it is best to wash the skin with plain water and your bare hands. Water washes off what needs to be washed off, and water leaves behind all the natural oils and waxes, which protect your skin. If you need soap to wash your hands or armpits a small amount of unscented Dove™, Oilatum, Impruv, or Cetaphil™.

In all cases, it can be very helpful to apply a moisturizing cream or a hypoallergenic water-miscible oil to the skin immediately after the skin is toweled off, to lock in residual moisture and to prevent dryness and scaling.

The simple steps outlined above can help to keep your skin soft, smooth and kissable throughout the winter.

Copyrighted 2010 by Advanced Dermatology & Laser Center, Piedmont, SC, and may not be copied or reproduced without crediting Advanced Dermatology & Laser Center as the original source.