Dealing with Dry and Itchy Skin

For some people, dry itchy skin is bothersome. The itchiness can result to irritation due to repetitive scratching. Its condition is worsening with cold weather, harsh cleansers or excessive hot baths. Maintaining this type of skin requires dedication. If extra care is followed, it can be avoided.¹

Do's and Don'ts For Dry and Itchy Skin

Don't stay in the bathtub too long.

We can’t deny the guilty pleasure of soaking into a relaxing hot bath in the bathtub or shower.

However, this is not advisable because it gets rids of the natural oils of the body thus sacrificing moisture. Use lukewarm water to minimize the adverse effect and then don’t forget to moisturize right away.¹

Check your meds.

In some cases, medications give side effects such as dry itchy skin. Like for example, retinoid for acne, antihistamines and diuretics. If complications like these occur, contact your doctor immediately.¹

Protect your skin from the sun.

It is impossible to avoid the sun, therefore, most of us suffer the cost of bathing under the sun. Dry itchy skin is an easy target. So make sure to always wear sunscreen that is at least 15 SPF or higher.¹

Mild cleanser.

Mild cleanser is best for a dry itchy skin because it preserves the moisture of the skin.¹

Check the fabric of your clothes.

Some type of fabrics can irritate the dry itchy skin even more. Cotton is still the best fabric to wear.¹

Stop smoking!

It is said that every puff of tobacco or cigarette, approximately 4,000 chemicals are involved. This only means that the skin is in contact with toxic chemicals, in return oxidation. Therefore, this dry itchy skin will arise due to the attacking of free radicals.¹

Treating Dry and Itchy Skin

Dry, itchy skin's best friend is moisturizer. However, make sure that it is hypoallergenic. This is to assure you that there would be no any allergic reaction to the skin. ²

Six Tips To Get Rid of Dry Skin:

• Try your best to moisturize at least like 3 to 4 times during the day.
• Moisturize immediately after taking a bath.
• Before going to sleep, apply petroleum jelly to your skin then wrap it up with a cotton cloth.
• Take lukewarm baths instead of hot baths.
• Take oatmeal baths.
• Use mild soaps only
• Use bath oils to do moisturizing.²

Do I Need Help?

Skin irritation leads to infection most of the time. If it appears to be red, swollen or oozes with fluid, tendencies are it is infected. Antibiotics should be used to prevent it from worsening.

It is very important to ask your doctor anything that you think is odd. This is still the best solution to your problem. As what they always say, "It's better safe than sorry."²

Don't scratch the itch!

Sometimes, you can’t help but continue scratching. However, this is not enough and even moisturizers do not help. An option of using 1% hydrocortisone steroid cream for a week can be done. Be mindful with this. Always consult your doctor first to avoid complications.²

References:

1.http://www.perfect-look.net/skin-treatments/dry-itchy-skin-what-you-should-know.html
2.http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/skin/treatment/814.html