Dry skin can lead to different symptoms such as itchiness, patches, rashes, burning and breakouts. It can also serve as a sign for underlying diseases. Some causes may be common such as lack of moisture by being exposed to environmental elements or due to skin problems like wet or dry atopic dermatitis, allergic dermatitis and atopic eczema. Here are some procedures of dry skin therapy.

Treating Dry Skin

Dry air or low humidity can lead to dry itchy skin. You can put a humidifier in your home especially during the cold winter months and when the weather is dry. Moisturizers are the basic products that effectively alleviate dry skin. Choose a hypoallergenic product containing natural or organic ingredients. Experts say that ointments are the easiest and most effective followed by creams then lotions.

You may also use petroleum jelly since it is a good skin lubricant. It is however, more messy to use than other types. Apply moisturizer 3 to 4 times throughout the day. Apply after you wash or bathe to prevent skin drying and keep moisture from the water. For very dry hands, moisturize before going to bed and wear cotton-lined gloves while you sleep.

Dry skin remedies also involve improving your bathing habits. Frequent washing and bathing tend to dry out your skin. Short lukewarm baths or showers are recommended. You can also try oatmeal baths once or twice a week which soothes your skin and takes away dead skin cells. Do not use bar soaps on your face. Also be careful about scrubbing too hard since it can cut or damage your skin. Pat your skin dry with a towel instead of rubbing then apply moisturizer. For severe cases, individuals may only clean other body parts 2 to 3 times each week.

When to Start Dry Skin Therapy from Health Experts

In some cases, home dry skin remedies may not be sufficient if irritated skin becomes infected. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, warmness and oozing fluid. Herbal treatment is helpful to reduce inflammation and fight bacteria and other microorganisms. Severe itching and pain can indicate a serious medical condition so it is advised to seek a doctor immediately. Moisturizers can greatly reduce and relieve itching. Dry skin can occur on the hands, feet, sides of the abdomen and some parts of the face like beneath the eyes. These can be hereditary in nature or brought about by the aging process.

You may determine if you have dermatitis by watching out for signs of flaking together with redness. Different types of dermatitis cause dry itchy flaking skin such as Seborrheic dermatitis involving body parts with many oil glands. The scalp, sides of the nose and eyebrows may scale.

Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when the skin comes into contact into something that triggers an immune response. Atopic dermatitis or eczema is a chronic type which is genetic in nature. Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection wherein soles of the feet start to dry, flake and smell.

What More Can You Do

Dry skin therapy encourages people to eat more fresh and organic fruits, nuts and vegetables to keep skin looking fresh and clear. Other sources high in omega-3 fatty acids like fish are also recommended. Be careful of causative and aggravating factors that can worsen your current skin condition such as harsh weather and irritating fabrics. Do not keep scratching your skin and consider getting an allergy test. Rely on natural supplements and substances with medium-chain triglycerides and fatty acids.

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