By Hilary Basile
Low humidity in the wintertime causes everyone's skin to become dry and itchy. Scratching adds to the fire by removing the skin's protective oils and other compounds. The constant scratching then triggers the release of histamines that cause redness and swelling.
Following are tips for soothing dry winter skin:
Keep it cool. Overheated rooms bring blood to the skin's surface in a process called vasodilation, making skin warmer and drier. Lower your thermostat to around 68-degrees. If your home is dry, consider using a cool mist humidifier.
Avoid irritating clothing. Steer clear of scratchy fabrics, such as wool, that can irritate your skin. Cotton works best. Also avoid tight clothing that could cause chaffing and further irritation.
Ease up on alcohol and caffeine. Alcohol and caffeinated beverages are vasodilators.
Take warm baths or showers. Short, tepid baths or showers are better for your skin than hot baths or showers. Use a gentle, soap-free cleanser to avoid dry skin.
Use a moisturizer. Pat your skin dry and use a good moisturizer after bathing. Use a heavier ointment rather than a light cream. For extremely dry skin, use a moisturizer with glycerin or other oils. For dry, flaky skin, try a moisturizer containing lactic acid.
Following are skin conditions that also lead to dry, flaky skin:
Psoriasis. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that causes raised red patches that itch, crack, or bleed. Sunlight can help reduce psoriatic symptoms. In the winter, most people get less sun, so the psoriasis flares up.
Eczema. Eczema is a common skin condition characterized by red, swollen, dry and itchy skin. See your doctor if you have a family history of allergies or asthma since this will make you more susceptible to eczema.
Seborrheic dermatitis. This skin condition causes flakiness on the face or dandruff on the scalp.
Good preventative habits and lots of moisturizer can help skin stay comfortable during the winter. If you have a skin condition, you may need prescription medications or other treatments to stop the itching.
Hilary Basile is a writer for MyGuidesUSA.com (http://www.myguidesusa.com/). You will find valuable tips and resources for handling life's major events. Whether you're planning a wedding, buying your first home, anxiously awaiting the birth of a child, contending with a divorce, searching for a new job, or planning for your retirement, you'll find answers to your questions at MyGuidesUSA.com.
Find tips and resources on exercise and fitness programs, exercising with health conditions, children's fitness, skin care, and more at http://fitnessandexercise.myguidesusa.com/, and tips for skin care and children at http://becomingaparent.myguidesusa.com/
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posted by Cheryl Levesque @ 9:11 AM
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