Anyone who has dry skin knows how irritating it can be. Often itchy and red, it is tiring to find relief. If you spend most of the winter months applying and reapplying lotion to no avail, read on to learn what Gene Rubinstein, M.D., of the Dermatology and Laser Centre of Studio City recommends for you.
Know that you are not alone in your suffering. A lot of people have to deal with bouts of persistent dry skin, especially in cool weather when the air is particularly dry. The dry air causes the skin to lose moisture and then chap and crack. As a result, these chapped areas may become irritated and itchy. While itching may provide temporary relief, it can result in a dry skin rash that sometimes forms in round patches that resemble ringworm.
By tweaking some of your daily routines slightly and switching out some of your bathing products, you should be able to see relief in a less than a week:
No hot water: When the outdoors feels arctic, it seems like a great idea to retreat to a hot shower for a little while. But don’t hide out there; it only makes things worse for your skin. While the temperature of the water doesn’t have to be as cold as the snow, you should definitely switch to a lukewarm bathing regimen. Hot water is one of the quickest ways to dry out your skin because it evaporates faster, taking with it the moisture.
Skip the soap: Most of your body should not be cleaned with a product that is actually called “soap,” especially areas that are the driest. Limit the use of soap to your armpits, groin, hands and feet. For the rest of the body, use a gentle cleanser or body wash which skimps on the harsh materials but not on effectiveness. If switching to a body wash still doesn’t seem to be helping, it is fine to stick to just water for awhile until the area becomes less dry.
Pat, don’t rub. There is no need to rub a towel back and forth ferociously upon exiting the shower. Patting yourself dry will absorb excess water without causing irritating friction between your body and towel, says Dr. Rubinstein.
Cream vs. Moisturizer: Always use a cream over a moisturizer. Contrary to the name, moisturizers are high in water content and can further dry out the skin. Creams on the other hand, contain less water and therefore produce more moisture for the skin.
Scentless makes sense: Some of the best-smelling lotions may actually be irritating your skin more. If the area is already red, the ingredients that go into creating a lotion’s scent can make the area sting more and further slow healing time.
The 45-second rule: Apply medications and/or creams within 45 seconds of exiting the shower. This will trap moisture in before it has time to evaporate. First apply your medications and then follow up with cream to all other areas. Excess can easily be wiped off with your towel or a tissue.
Prescription medicines may be best: If store-bought lotions don’t seem to be doing the trick, your doctor can prescribe you a more advanced cream or spot treatment that will specifically target the harshest patches of dry skin.
Choose your clothing wisely: Clothing that is too tight or certain fabrics can create friction against your skin. The constant rubbing will cause your skin to chafe and become raw over time.
Long-term control: Once you are able to get your dry skin under control, Dr. Rubinstein says you can follow a more relaxed daily regimen. Be aware though that dry skin routinely resurfaces, especially in the winter. If you notice your skin getting dry, resume your lubricating routine.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
