Dry Skin

Your itching or skin rash may be due to dry skin. Dry skin can also be referred to as xerosis, asteototic ezema or winter itch.

What causes dry skin?Your skin is dry, not because it lacks grease or oils,but because it does not have enough water in it. Things you come in contact with can cause dry skin. • Soaps and other solutions you put on your skin

can remove water needed to keep your skin moist. These soaps damage the skin’s natural barrier, which causes water to leave your skin.

• Dry air and cold winds also remove water from your skin. During the winter, we add heat to our rooms, which causes skin to be drier.

• Bathing too often also can cause dry skin, especially in the winter. The use of soap damages the skin’s natural barrier and allows moisture to leave your skin. Bathing every day is not usually needed unless your skin is sweaty or dirty.

How can I treat dry skin?All treatment should try to put water back into your skin and in your house. Try these steps:• Keep your room temperature as low as is

comfortable for you.• Bathe or shower only when necessary. You can

reduce regular bathing to every other day. Make the water room temperature or lukewarm, not hot. A sponge bath in the armpits and groin area on days you do not shower is all you need for good personal hygiene.

• Do not use soap on dry areas of your skin. If you must use a skin cleaner on these dry areas, use a bath oil, such as Alpha Keri, Cameo, Domol, Durfol or Lubath. Use a soft washcloth and rub gently over your skin. Do not scrub your skin. Bath oils make the floor of the tub or shower slippery – be careful!

• If you use a cream or lotion prescribed by your doctor, follow the directions on the package. Apply these lotions while your skin is still damp after bathing, before you dry off with a towel.

• Use a room humidifier if you can. The bedroom is the most important room to try to keep from being too dry.

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The information presented is intended for general information and educational purposes. It is not intended to replacethe advice of your health care provider. Contact your health care provider if you believe you have a health problem.

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