Xerosis
What Causes Dry Skin?
Dry skin is a problem for many people, especially in cool weather when the air is dry. Dry air causes the skin to lose moisture and then chap and crack. These chapped, cracked areas may become irritated and itchy. The dry skin rash sometimes forms round patches that resemble ringworm. Other times, entire areas become red and itchy.
Treatment-Skin Lubrication
Treatment is intended to restore moisture to your skin. Water will briefly moisturize your skin but the moisture is soon lost by evaporation. Lotions, creams, and ointments provide an oil coating that prevents water evaporation.
Bath oils are an effective way of preventing skin moisture loss. You can put bath oil on your freshly dried skin after a shower or bath or add it directly to the bath water (Caution: Slippery tub!). When applying bath oil directly to your skin, pour a small amount into your hands and then spread it onto your slightly damp skin immediately after toweling. To avoid feeling greasy, use just a little. A teaspoonful is enough for the entire body of an average adult. If you prefer to use a bath oil in the tub, add about a tablespoonful to the bath water and soak for 10 to 20 minutes. Do not use soap; you will get clean by soaking in the oil- water combination. Afterward, pat yourself dry with a towel; enough bath oil will remain on your skin to prevent moisture loss. There are many excellent bath oils on the market.
If you prefer not to use bath oil, or find the oil is not enough, you can use moisturizing creams, lubricating lotions, or plain petrolatum (Vaseline) with good results. Any lubricant is best applied after your skin has been wet (soak 10 to 15 minutes in the tub and gently pat yourself dry before applying) so as to trap and hold moisture.
Treating Dry Skin Rash
When dry skin has developed into a rash that itches, a mild 1 to 2% hydrocortisone cream usually brings quick relief. The cortisone is applied thinly to the rash and massaged in well, usually at bedtime, after bathing, and one or two other times during the day. As the rash improves, the cortisone is used less often. Occasionally, rashes are severe enough to require a few days of oral medication.
SOAP- Soap is bad for dry skin. It removes skin oils needed to hold in moisture. Soap should not be used on dry skin. Most of us use far too much soap. Actually, plain water is often enough for a shower or bath. If you feel you need to use soap, it’s alright to use a little soap (rinsed off well) for your face, feet, armpits and groin. Recommended soaps include, but are not limited to: Aveeno, Basis, Purpose, Oil of Olay, Dove, Cetaphil.
BATHING- Individuals with dry skin may bathe or shower once daily but not more often. Remember two things: (1) Use no soap on dry skin areas; (2) lubricate your skin using one of the previously described methods.
Long-Term Control
Dry skin is usually a long-term problem that recurs often, especially in winter. When you notice your skin getting dry, resume your lubricating routine and carefully avoid the use of soap. If the itchy dry-skin rash returns, use both the lubricating routine and the cortisone cream or ointment. Consider a humidifier for your home.
