The treatment for extreme dry skin begins with simple home care. This includes a change in bathing habits and increased moisture for both body and skin.
Dry skin is often synonomous with cold, winter weather. A typical scenario: the heat comes, the humidity drops, and moisture evaporates from skin. Itching, cracking, peeling, and irritation develop.
Of course, it's not only winter that causes dry skin. Other factors such as arrid desert conditions and eczema may be responsible.
Maintain your health
Skin is a protective shield between you and the environment, keeping moisture in and bacteria out. Enhance and maintain this barrier by following these
easy steps:
Bathing:
Take short baths or showers.
Use warm, not hot, water.
Use a mild natural cleanser.
Gently pat skin dry- don’t rub!
Limit baths or showers to one per day.
Increase moisture:
Apply a body oil or a moisturizer at least twice a day. A thick, heavy moisturizer, such as Weleda Skin Food
works well. Avoid products that contain alcohol. Apply
moisturizer immediately after bathing, while skin is still damp.
Use a humidifier to combat indoor dry air.
Stay well hydrated by drinking lots of pure water throughout the day.
Severe dry skin may require medical treatment. Itching dry skin may occassionally be an indicatation of an underlying medical condition, such as a thyroid disorder.
Call your doctor if:
You feel itchy and have no visible rash.
Your dryness and itching interrupt your sleep.
You have open cuts or sores from scratching.
You
have large areas of scaling or peeling skin.
Home care does not relieve your dryness and itching.
Your doctor may ask:
How long has your skin been dry?
Is it a recent development, a lifelong condition, or a sporadic occurrence?
Does it affect
your whole body? If not, what parts are involved?
What makes the condition worse?
Does anything bring relief?
What is your bathing routine?
Do
you have other symptoms?
Inform the physician of any over the counter preparations you may be using on your skin. Your responses, combined with a physical exam, will determine the best treatment for your severe dry skin.
