Basic Skin Care Tips

Dry skin care

Dry skin is defined as flaking or scaling which may or may not be itchy when there is no evidence of dermatitis, or inflammation, of the skin. Flaking, however, also may be a sign of underlying dermatitis requiring more specific therapy and potentially prescription medicines. Some examples of dermatitis that may cause dry, itchy, flaking skin include:

• Seborrheic dermatitis This type involves a red, scaly, itchy rash on various areas of the body, particularly those areas that contain many oil glands. Seborrheic dermatitis can occur as scaling on the scalp, eyebrows, and sides of the nose.
• Allergic contact dermatitis This occurs when the skin comes into contact with a substance that causes an immune reaction, such as poison ivy. Allergic contact dermatitis of the hands often causes scaling on the fingers. This type of dermatitis persists until the underlying allergen is removed.
• Atopic dermatitis This is a long-lasting type of dermatitis that often runs in families. It also may cause excessively dry, itchy skin.
• "Ringworm" and athlete's foot Both are caused by a fungal infection of the skin. Scaling of the affected area is very common.

Dry skin that is not caused by dermatitis most often occurs on the shins, hands, and sides of the abdomen. It is more common during the winter months, when humidity is low.

Some people also have a genetic, or hereditary, tendency to develop dry skin. In addition, elderly people tend to have more trouble with dry skin due to the natural changes in skin that occur with age.

Treatment is important because extensively dry skin can lead to dermatitis, or eczema. Dry skin may be prevented or treated by:

• Taking lukewarm baths or showers
• Limiting baths/showers to 5 to 10 minutes
• Applying a moisturizer right after drying off from a shower or washing your hands
• Using a moisturizing body soap and hand soap
• Using heavier creams or ointments during the winter months and lighter lotions in the summer

Applying a moisturizer several times a day, if necessary, is the most important part of maintaining dermatitis-prone skin and avoiding the need for prescription medicines.