Dry skin is an often bothersome annoying condition characterized by irritating, scaling, and cracking of the skin. Many factors can cause dry skin, for instance, dehydration, using harsh soaps, and detergents, among many others. Dry skin can affect any part of your body; however, the most commonly affected areas of the body are the arms, hands, and legs. Most of the time, lifestyle changes in conjunction with over the counter medications can help treat dry skin, but there are some other methods that might ease the symptoms as well. Now, how will you know if you have dry skin?
Symptoms of Dry Skin
The main signs and symptoms of dry skin are;
- Uneven dry skin
- Itching
- Redness
- Deep fissures that can sometimes bleed
- Severe or slight peeling, scaling
- A feeling of skin stiffness especially after showering or bathing
- Gray or ashy skin
Treatment and Prevention of Dry Skin
In most cases, dry skin reacts well to lifestyle changes and medications. Some of the conventional treatment, as well as prevention of dry skin, includes;
Avoid using hot water to bathe
An excellent steamy and hot shower could feel like the best thing, however, that hot water is bad for your skin. The bad thing about hot water is that it robs that natural oil barrier off your skin, leaving it vulnerable to dryness. The natural oil barrier of your skin is responsible for trapping moisture and keeping your skin smooth and moist.
Moisturize
It is always advisable to use a moisturizing soap when you are bathing or showering. Additionally, you can apply moisturizer instantly after showering or bathing. There are many forms of body moisturizers, for example, creams, lotions, ointments, and oils. Seek the advice of your dermatologist to see which is best for your skin.
Avoid harsh soaps and detergents
Instead of using harsh soaps, go for gentle skin cleansers, and shower gels that contain moisturizers. Your skin is very delicate, therefore use unscented skincare products that cannot irritate your skin. Avoiding scented skincare products like deodorant soaps and products that contain perfume, alcohol, and retinoid will go a long way in helping your skin maintain its natural oil barrier.
Wear gloves
The hands are one of the parts of the body that gets affected by dry skin. Therefore, try to reduce dry skin by wearing gloves before going outside during winter, before getting chemicals and grease, and before doing tasks that need you to damp your hands.
Add moisture to the air
Hot and dry air can worsen dry and itchy skin. You can use a portable home humidifier to add some humidity to the air. Additionally, check your home heating system to see if it has a humidifier.
Use over the counter skin ointment and cream
There are some over the counter medications like hydrocortisone cream that can help relieve itchy or irritated skin. Apply the cream to the affected area.
Final Word
When left untreated, dry skin can get worse. Every treatment, as well as prevention measures you take, will help you feel comfortable. Early treatment will significantly lessen the risk of complications. Visit Medical Supply Depot for high-quality skincare products today.
