Bye-Bye Dry Skin: From itchy, scratchy skin to eczema, DSH can help you out

As fall turns to winter, 'tis the season for dry skin, and boy do we not feel like celebrating.

Well, there's good news. We at Dermatology and Skin Health know several tips you can use to ease symptoms of dry skin. See how many you already comply with, and then learn the rest. It will be worth it for peace of mind (and peace of skin!)

Tips:

-Shaving
When at all possible, shave after bathing or showering when hairs are softer. Use shaving cream or gel, let it sit at least 3 minutes and shave in direction of hair growth.

-Hot Water is your Enemy
Hot water strips your skin of its natural oils more quickly, so use warm water and make your showers quick.

-There's Hope for Soap
When you soap up, avoid deodorant bars and soaps with strong fragrances. These strip natural oils from the skin and dry it out. Look for mild, fragrance-free varieties, or cleansers that moisturize.

-The Best Time to Moisturize
Moisturize right after a 5 to 10 minute bath or shower to keep the moisture in your skin. Believe it or not, if you spend more time in the water, it can leave your skin less hydrated than before you went in.

-Hello, Humidifier
One purchase you can add to your home this winter to help your dry skin is a humidifier. It will keep the air in your home moist, which is key.

-Itchy, Scratchy, Help!
The temperature of cool cloths applied to the skin can relieve that itch, but it can also cause irritation, so follow up by using moisturizers. (See "The Best Time To Moisturize.")

-Got Chapped Lips?
Here's the key: Apply a lip balm containing petrolatum. Other names are petroleum jelly and mineral oil.

-Baby, It's Cold Outside
Wear a scarf and gloves to help prevent chapped lips and hands.

-Face Time
If you have very dry skin, only cleanse your face once -- at night. In the morning, simply rinse with cool water.

When Your Skin is Beyond Dry
Have you heard of eczema or dermatitis? This condition results from extremely dry skin and it simply means an inflammation of the skin. It can cause an itchy rash or dry skin patches.

Your dermatologist may prescribe medication for dermatitis, such as corticosteroid (cortisone-like) or an immune modulator (tacrolimus, pimecrolimus). When applied to affected skin for the prescribe time, the medication can be good at relieving the redness, swelling, and uncomfortable itch. Use your moisturizer regularly, as it can help avoid flares.

Remember, a dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating the medical, surgical and cosmetic conditions of the skin, hair and nails. If you need help with your dry skin, eczema or dermatitis, we at Dermatology and Skin Health are here to help you. Please call us today at 742-5556 and visit www.dermskinhealth.com for further information.

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What better way to reward yourself after all that leaf raking, soul aching and fall baking than indulging in this treatment, suitable for those with dry skin?

Enjoy one of our customized spa body treatments in our state-of-the-art Aemotio spa water therapy bed. With chakra aligned vichy shower, Bolero water massage, and tranquil chromotherapy lighting,
this Italian designed bed is the first of its kind in the United States.

Therapeutic water and light stream together to immerse the senses, drowning daily chaos with moments of unforgettable relaxation, and intense pleasure; an exclusive esthetic experience shared by both the body and the mind.

If you would like to add on a 30 minute full body massage with one of our therapists, please let us know while you are booking your appointment.