![]() When using both a cortisone product and a moisturizer, always use the cortisone first and the moisturizer second.īe careful about using other over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and itch-suppressing creams or lotions. Make sure you understand where the cortisone cream or ointment is to be applied (only on the red patches unless instructed otherwise) and how often you should apply it (no more than twice daily). Over-the-counter strength cortisone creams and ointments can occasionally be helpful, but prescription strength products are often required to calm down this type of dermatitis. Treat any red dermatitis (eczematous) patches with a topical cortisone (steroid) cream or ointment for a 5- to 15-day course. If dry skin affects your hands, reapply moisturizers after handwashing. ![]() Moisturizers should be reapplied liberally during the day and evening when possible, especially to those areas prone to dryness.Within three minutes of getting out, apply a moisturizer of cream or ointment to seal the water in the skin before it evaporates.After showering, quickly and gently pat the skin partially dry with a towel (do not rub!).Mild soaps should be used (unscented, those designed for sensitive skin).Soap should be used minimally and where/when needed (for example, under the arms, the groin and genitals, the feet, and the face).Bathing should be in warm rather than hot water.You should take a short bath or shower (no more than 10 minutes) only once in a 24-hour period. ![]() ![]() Water followed by the application of a thick moisturizer, is of great benefit for dry skin. Hot, soapy water depletes the natural skin oils to the greatest degree. Water alone (especially hot water) can actually worsen the problem of dry skin by removing the normal, protective skin oils. Treatment of dry skinĪn important aspect of treatment is to identify and tackle any factors that may be contributing to the dry skin. This exposes the underlying living cells to irritating substances and germs in the environment. As the skin dries out it shrinks and, as it shrinks, small cracks can occur. Too much soap, exposure to harsh chemicals, the normal aging process, and certain types of skin diseases are some of the causes of decreased amounts of protective skin oils. One way this can happen is when protective oils in the stratum corneum are lost so water that is normally present in the skin is allowed to escape. Both the skin oils and the dead skin cells hold a certain amount of water that helps keep the skin soft, pliable, and smooth.ĭry skin results when there is not enough water in the top layer of skin for it to function properly. These natural skin oils keep the water inside our body from escaping into the air and also keep irritating substances and germs from entering the body. The outermost layer of the skin consists of dead skin cells embedded in a mixture of natural oils that are made by underlying living skin cells. If concerned about infection, consult your dermatologist or family physician.Īlso, if your skin is very dry, or if you have an associated red dermatitis, it is a good idea to seek the advice of your dermatologist or family physician. The appearance of yellow crusts or pus in these areas indicates that a bacterial infection is developing. Round, scaly, itchy, red patches scattered over the legs, arms, and trunk may appear. Dry skin and scratching may result in a dermatitis or eczema when the skin becomes red in addition to dry and scaly. Dry, thickened skin can crack, especially in areas subject to chronic trauma (e.g., hands and feet), causing painful cracks in the skin. Repeated rubbing and scratching can produce areas of thickened, rough skin (lichenification). Problems associated with dry skinĭry skin very commonly produces itching, which can be severe and interfere with sleep and other daily activities. Dermatologists often call dry skin "xerosis" or "asteatosis". Dry skin occurs most commonly on the arms and legs, but can also affect the trunk of the body. In more advanced cases, fish net-like cracks resembling the fine fracture lines of cracked porcelain can occur. The normally fine lines in the skin become more visible, the skin feels rough and appears dull and flaky.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |