Find Frigid Weather Fixes For Dry Skin
Dermatologists Recommend Mild Soaps, Warm Baths, Plenty Of Water
UPDATED: 11:03 a.m. EST January 20, 2003
Cold weather usually brings winter skin. But there are ways to repair and protect dry, red and itchy skin.
Charlecia Turner said her son's skin gets dry and irritated during the winter.
"His skin is very dry. I've been experimenting with different lotions, but I haven't found one, so I'm going to take him to the dermatologist," she said.
"Our body is the shield to the environment," said dermatologist Dr. Katherine O'Rourke. "When dry skin occurs, people tend to scratch. And with scratching, it can set up that whole itch-scratch cycle."
Billie Goodman shopped for a lotion to heal her dry, cracked hands.
"They get really scaly looking!" she said.
Dermatologists recommended moisturizers containing lactic acids or alpha-hydroxy acids to fight off dry, scaly skin.
"Creams tend to stay on the skin longer than traditional lotions," said O'Rourke. "Sometimes they contain more oil."
Other skin-soothing solutions include drinking plenty of water and using mild soaps and detergents, according to dermatologists.
Dermatologists said many antibacterial soaps and other hand cleaners containing alcohol will dry skin out.
They also recommended a lukewarm bath rather than a hot one. It is also better to keep houses warm, not at high temperatures.
Humidifiers also help keep moisture in the air and skin.
Charlecia Turner said her son's skin gets dry and irritated during the winter.
"His skin is very dry. I've been experimenting with different lotions, but I haven't found one, so I'm going to take him to the dermatologist," she said.
"Our body is the shield to the environment," said dermatologist Dr. Katherine O'Rourke. "When dry skin occurs, people tend to scratch. And with scratching, it can set up that whole itch-scratch cycle."
Billie Goodman shopped for a lotion to heal her dry, cracked hands.
"They get really scaly looking!" she said.
Dermatologists recommended moisturizers containing lactic acids or alpha-hydroxy acids to fight off dry, scaly skin.
"Creams tend to stay on the skin longer than traditional lotions," said O'Rourke. "Sometimes they contain more oil."
Other skin-soothing solutions include drinking plenty of water and using mild soaps and detergents, according to dermatologists.
Dermatologists said many antibacterial soaps and other hand cleaners containing alcohol will dry skin out.
They also recommended a lukewarm bath rather than a hot one. It is also better to keep houses warm, not at high temperatures.
Humidifiers also help keep moisture in the air and skin.
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