Skin Conditions
Signs & Symptoms
* Itchy skin. The skin can be red from scratching it.
* Chapped skin.
* Skin cracks, peels, and/or flakes.
Causes
* Aging. The body naturally produces less oil and moisture.
* Cold winter weather. Dry air or heat.
* Washing the skin often. Using harsh skin products.
* Chronic and excessive sun exposure.
* Allergies. An underactive thyroid gland. Diabetes. Kidney disease. Other skin conditions, such as psoriasis.
Treatment
Dry skin is not a serious health risk. It can be managed with self-care. When dry skin is a symptom of a health problem, treating the problem treats the dry skin.
Questions to Ask
Self-Care / Prevention
* Drink 8 or more glasses of water a day.
* Apply an oil- based lotion daily.
* Wear rubber gloves when you wash dishes.
* Take showers instead of baths. Use warm (not hot) water. Try sponge baths.
* Apply a moisturizing cream while your skin is damp. Use products with lanolin.
* If you do bathe, do so for only 15 to 20 minutes in lukewarm water. Pat yourself dry. Do not rub.
* Put soap on a washcloth, not right on the skin.
* Use a mild liquid soap, like Cetaphil lotion or use a fatted soap. Avoid deodorant, medicated, or alkaline soaps.
* Don’t use moisturizers with fragrances, preservatives, or alcohol.
* Use a night cream for the face.
* Stay out of the strong sun. Do not use tanning salons. When in the sun, use a sunblock with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.
* Don’t scratch or rub dry skin.
Resources
© American Institute for Preventive Medicine