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- DRY SKIN DO’s & DONT’S
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DRY SKIN DO’s & DONT’S
WHAT IS DRY SKIN?
With the upcoming winter season, dry skin is one of the most common routine skincare issues bothering all of us. It isn’t usually serious, but it can be irritating and if not taken care of on time may result in dreadful consequences.
The medical term for dry skin is xerosis. Dry skin is when your skin is dehydrated, forms dry scales, itches, and may even bleed out with frequent scratching or may give an unsightly appearance in social gatherings.
WHAT CAUSES DRY SKIN?
Age: Elderly are more susceptible to dry skin because
Decreased production of moisture by sweat and oil glands
Decreased thickness of skin
Decreased fat and collagen causes loss of skin elasticity & texture
Seen mostly on exposed body parts like face, legs, elbows, arms, etc.
Climate: People who live in dry, desert-like environments or in cold weather are more prone to dry skin due to less moisture & humidity, in the air.
Genetics: Some skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis, ichthyosis(fish-like scales), psoriasis, etc can cause dry skin.
Health conditions: Diabetic, thyroid disorder, renal failure, etc patients are more prone to develop dry skin
Occupations: Professionals with repeated contact with chemicals or water like healthcare providers, hairstylists, swimmers, etc. are more susceptible to developing dry, itchy skin
WHY WORRY ABOUT DRY SKIN?
COMPLICATIONS/SEQUELAE OF DRY SKIN
Skin that’s too dry, if ignored for too long; may crack open and facilitate entry of micro-organisms causing harmful infections. Such dry skin may cause repeated itching, rashes, small ulcerations and may further lead to dermatitis (inflammation of the skin). There are several different types of dermatitis:-
Contact dermatitis: Contact with certain irritants like jewelry metals (nickel), cosmetics, detergents, or medications may cause skin rash, dry, itchy, and red skin
Atopic dermatitis: It’s a common genetic skin disorder often affecting children due to exposure to irritants, allergens, or stress which worsen during winters.
Seborrheic dermatitis: Dry skin on the oily areas of the body like the scalp, face, navel (belly button), and inside creases of the arms, legs or groin causes a condition known as Seborrheic dermatitis. This type of dermatitis is caused when your body reacts to a normal fungus that grows on your skin. Dandruff in adults or cradle cap in infants is very commonly seen in Indian climatic conditions.
WHEN TO SEE A BOARD-CERTIFIED DERMATOLOGIST
You should visit your Board Certified Dermatologist if your skin:
Scratches/itches constantly and interferes with sleep or daily routine activities.
Looks red, warm, or swollen.
Is painful to touch.
Develops a rash
Dry skin may be irritating due to continuous itching and may lead to deep cracks or fissures causing pain or discomfort in daily routine activities. It may also be a sign of underlying skin disease like psoriasis, eczema, etc that needs an expert opinion. A board-certified dermatologist can examine your skin, can advise proper course of treatment depending on the skin condition (type, texture, etc.), occupation, daily routine activities, and may suggest precautions to be taken later.
DERMATOLOGISTS‘ TIPS FOR RELIEVING DRY SKIN
Simple changes can soothe dry skin
Following the same skincare throughout the year may not work well in the winters. Dry weather can make fine lines and wrinkles more noticeable.
To heal dry skin and prevent its recurrence, dermatologists recommend the following.
1. Stop baths and showers from worsening dry skin.
Baths and showers can worsen dry skin. You can prevent baths and showers from worsening dry skin by following these tips. When the humidity drops or your skin feels dry, be sure to-
Use warm rather than hot water for bath
Limit your time in the shower or bath to 5 or 10 minutes.
Wash with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser.
Apply enough cleanser to remove dirt and oil, avoid using thick lather.
Do not use a loofah on dry irritated skin.
Dab your skin gently dry with a towel.
Slather on the moisturizer immediately after drying your skin.
2. Apply moisturizer immediately after washing
Ointments, creams, and lotions (moisturizers) work by trapping existing moisture in your skin. To trap this much-needed moisture, you need to apply a moisturizer within a few minutes of:
Drying off after a shower or bath
Washing your face or hands
3. Use an ointment or cream rather than a lotion Ointments and creams are more effective and less irritating than lotions. To relieve dry hands, carry a non-greasy hand cream with you and apply it after each hand washing.
4. Wear lip balm. Choose a lip balm that contains white soft paraffin.
5. Use only gentle, fragrance-free skincare products
6. Choose non-irritating clothes and laundry detergent.
Wear soft cotton undergarments under your clothing
Use laundry detergent labeled “hypoallergenic”
7. Stay warm without cozying up to a fireplace or other heat source. Sitting in front of an open flame or other heat sources can dry your skin.
SUMMARY
Dry skin is itchy, flaky, looks unattractive, feels uncomfortable, and may be a cause of underlying skin disease. Simple precautions can avoid dryness in your skin and diagnose skin conditions that can be treated on time.
Consult our board-certified Dermatologist Dr. Dhanyata for the apt treatment of dry skin and get back your soft glowing skin now.