Although we've had no shortage of moist air recently, the lower humidity sometimes common in winter and heated indoor air can lead to dry, itchy skin as well as flare-ups of chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Itching usually leads to scratching and that could cause skin damage.'
Skin care experts recommend good basic skin care to keep skin in its best condition. The skin acts as an important barrier for our bodies, protecting us from infection. To help it do its job, we need to maintain it well. The two main areas to consider are keeping your skin moist and using proper bathing techniques. The most effective moisturizers come in ointment form. By definition, an ointment contains 80 percent oil and 20 percent water. The higher the percentage of oil in a moisturizing product, the better job it will do to protect your skin. Contrary to popular belief, moisturizers don't work by adding moisture to skin, but rather by keeping the body's natural moisture in the skin.
The downside of ointments is their greasy consistency. You may want to apply ointments to only the driest areas of your skin or use them when the humidity level drops below 60 percent. For example, for dry, scaly feet you might use an ointment at night and wear cotton socks to bed to prevent staining other clothing or your bed linens.
Most people find creams and lotions more pleasing to apply, but because they contain less oil, they are less effective. If you choose a cream or lotion, you will need to apply it more often. Creams contain 50 percent oil and lotions are mostly water. Unfortunately, the colors and fragrance added to popular creams and lotions make them even less effective and can also cause skin to break out.'
The guidelines suggested by dermatologists for bathing may surprise you. For one thing, they recommend using lukewarm water rather than hot water in the shower or bath because cooler water is less drying to the skin. Limit your time in the shower to 10 minutes or 20 minutes in the bathtub, using mild, nondrying cleansers. Avoid the use of body sponges or even washcloths that can irritate skin. Use your hands to lather up instead. Skip bathing altogether some days or substitute a five- to ten-minute shower or a sponge bath for your usual bathing ritual. After bathing, pat rather than rub your skin and apply moisturizers to damp skin within three minutes to hold in the moisture from the bath most effectively.
In addition to the moisturizing and bathing recommendations above, drink plenty of fluids each day. If the air in your home is dry, consider the use of a humidifier.'
Good skin care is important for everyone and essential for those with chronic skin conditions. If itchy, irritated skin continues despite good skin care, see your doctor.
Paulette Avery is a registered nurse and a freelance writer who specializes in health issues. You can reach her at averyfam\@comcast.net.
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