Dry skin can be a real problem for many people, and can range in severity from mild irritation to a medical condition that requires a doctor's care. Those who suffer are always looking for an effective dry skin treatment. There are several things a person can do to lessen dry skin. There are products, such as dry skin cleanser or dry skin cream can be applied. Medicine can also be a dry skin treatment option for some.
Common areas of dry skin irritation include the shins, hands, and abdomen. Dry skin is especially problematic in the winter because of the low humidity and constant use of dry heat. These elements combine to remove moisture from the skin. Some people are genetically predisposed to dry skin, and the elderly are especially prone to the condition. If not treated, dry skin can lead to dermatitis, a dry, red, and extremely itchy skin condition.
Hydrocortisone cream that can be purchased over the counter is often recommended as a dry skin treatment for dermatitis. Other serious dry skin conditions, such as psoriasis or ichthyosis, may require a prescription cream or ointment for relief. Most dry skin can be kept under control with a few lifestyle changes and over-the-counter creams or lotions, however.
Lifestyle changes include avoiding hot showers or baths, which strip the moisture from your skin, and adding a daily moisturizer or lotion to the skin care regime. This addition of moisture helps to keep dry skin at bay. Also, the length of a shower or bath should be limited to 10 minutes, and a moisturizer should be applied directly after bathing.
In addition, if the skin is very sensitive, a person will want to avoid using harsh soaps, as the ingredients in them cause skin to feel tight and dry. Look for body washes that contain moisturizers. A thick, heavy moisturizing cream should be used in the winter as an additional means of locking in moisture.
Sometimes these steps alone are a sufficient dry skin treatment. In some cases, however, more aggressive measures may be needed. It can be a good idea to try using humidifiers throughout the home in the winter to add much needed moisture to the air, for example. This will help counteract the effects of running a dry furnace all day and night.
Look for breathable, natural fabrics; silk and cotton are good choices. A sufferer may even need to switch laundry products if hers contains harsh detergents or dyes, because they can also aggravate dry skin.
