Is Fighting Dry Skin Or Eczema Part Of Your Winter Routine?

By S.K. Saini, MD

What causes dry skin? Skin loses water, especially in cold and windy weather or after prolonged exposure to sunlight. Winter weather also causes you to spend more time indoors in an environment that has the humidity of the Sahara Desert. This lack of humidity, coupled with the heat from our furnaces, establishes the conditions for dry skin or eczema to be a lingering and unwelcome guest. Dry skin can be a very irritating and uncomfortable condition that's also unattractive. Your skin may simply need hydration, but it's also possible you may have a skin disease like eczema.

Simple dry skin can be aided by eliminating the use harsh soaps, instead substituting Lipikar Body Bar, Oil of Olay Body Wash, Dove (unscented) Soap, or Cetaphil, to name a few. Additionally, you should switch from hot water to lukewarm water, pat your skin dry while the skin is still a little damp, and liberally apply a good quality moisturizing lotion to the affected areas. Lipikar Balm, Aquaphor, or Eucerin are all recommended lotions to use on sensitive, dry skin. Lastly, changing your laundry detergent to Ivory Snow or Dreft, and eliminating fabric softeners or dryer sheets should also help sufferers bear the winter season.

However, if your symptoms don't get better in a couple of days, there could be an underlying condition causing your skin irritation. If you think your dry skin condition may be eczema, then it's important to visit a dermatologist who specializes in skin diseases and their treatment.

Eczema is also called dermatitis and causes red, swollen and itchy skin. The causes of eczema can be due to other diseases, irritating substances, allergies or your genetic makeup, but it's not contagious. Eczema can be very difficult to treat, and if you get the wrong treatment, it could actually make your condition worse. Eczema can affect the face and other unsightly areas, which can compound the need for effective treatment.

A qualified dermatologist is able to treat your eczema and understands it's an uncomfortable condition to live with until properly treated. A dermatologist is a medical expert that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases that affect the skin, hair and nails. They play an important role in educating patients about best way to take care of their skin, whether it's simple dry skin or eczema. Knowing and applying the best treatment options for your unique skin condition is how dermatologists make a genuine difference in people's lives. You don't have to endure another winter dealing with the itchy, flaky, painful skin associated dry skin or eczema.

Make an appointment to see a dermatologist today and love the skin you're in!