HealthyLife Articles

Tag: moisturizer

  • Say Goodbye To Winter Rash

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Female using face cream on cheeks.

    Winter weather can create havoc for your skin. Cold air, low humidity, and the use of central heating all contribute to skin becoming dry, red, and itchy. A winter rash is a common skin condition that develops in the cool months.

    In addition, cool temperatures and dry air create a condition ripe for flair-ups for people who have skin conditions. This includes eczema or psoriasis.

    If you are prone to winter rashes, there are simple steps you can take to protect your skin and keep you comfortable all winter long.

    Keep your skin moisturized

    A thick, cream-based moisturizer is often a good choice in the winter. Because winter rashes are usually caused by dryness of the skin, find a lotion or cream that keeps your skin soft and smooth.

    Moisturize right after you bathe while your skin is still damp. For patches of skin that are dry, red, or itchy, you can apply lotion as often as needed.

    Avoid hot showers or baths

    Soaking in a steaming hot bath or shower might sound nice, but all that hot water can dry out your skin. When you bathe or shower, keep the water warm and limit your time to five or ten minutes.

    For some people, bathing every other day can aid in keeping the skin moisturized by allowing the skin’s natural oils to accumulate.

    Use a humidifier

    In cooler months, the air is cold and it also contains less water. If your home heating system does not have built-in humidity control, you may choose to purchase a humidifier to add moisture to the air.

    Ideal indoor air humidity should be between 30-50%. If you are using a humidifier, aim to stay in that range to prevent dryness.

    When to seek treatment for a rash

    Call your doctor if you have any of these symptoms:

    *  You develop open cuts or sores

    *  Your dry skin keeps you from sleeping

    *  You have itching without a visible rash

    *  Your self-care efforts do not relieve your dry skin

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Ten Ways To Get Rid Of Winter Itch

    Skin Conditions

    Image of lotion on hand.

    Oh, that winter itch! Your skin feels as rough and dry as sandpaper. If your skin is chapped, cracked, and inflamed during the coldest months of the year, take heart. Relief is a simple matter of water conservation.

    The basic problem is lack of moisture. Anything that steals moisture from the skin will result in dryness and chapping. The drier the air, the more rapidly moisture evaporates. (In winter, heated indoor air tends to be dry.) Also, soap and excessive bathing or showering strips the skin of its natural oils making the problem worse. Add it up and the dehydrated cells begin to shrink and separate like caked mud in a dry lake bed and a network of painful cracks appear on your skin.

    Dry skin affects everyone, but older people have it worse because oil production gradually declines with age.

    Since you can’t change the weather or your age, try these suggestions if you want to prevent winter itch.

    *  Drink 8 or more glasses of water a day.

    *  Don’t scratch or rub your skin. Do apply moisturizer to your skin daily. Use an oil-based lotion.

    *  Don’t overexpose your skin to water, such as with washing dishes. Wear rubber gloves when you wash dishes.

    *  Right after washing your hands, put hand cream on to seal in moisture.

    *  Use petroleum jelly on very dry skin areas.

    *  Take a shower instead of a bath. Use warm (not hot) water. Pat your skin dry, but not all the way. Apply a moisturizing cream while your skin is damp. Use products with lanolin. If you prefer to bathe, bathe for only 15 to 20 minutes in lukewarm water. Pat yourself dry. Do not rub. Use a bath oil on your skin after bathing. Try sponge baths. Use a washcloth instead of soaping the skin directly. Use a mild liquid cleanser like Cetaphil brand, 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. Use a sunblock with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.

    *  Lower the setting on your heating thermostat so you’re comfortable, not toasty.

    *  Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air in a room or have a humidifier connected to your furnace. Also, don’t sit too close to fireplace heat – it’s drying.

    A Year of Health Hints book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine