Winter Skin

Posted in Dermatology on October 29, 2009

Winter is approaching and so is dry itchy skin.

The Pacific NW is famous for its cool wet winters, but despite the damp air outside, the air inside our homes and offices is often bone dry. This dry heated air keeps us warm, but helps water escape from our skin. As skin loses water, tiny cracks develop and even more water is lost. These cracks can become inflamed which can lead to redness and itching causing rashes which can be difficult to treat at home. The good news is that a few extra minutes of skin care a day can help prevent this dry winter itch.

The best way to add water back to the skin is by bathing or showering daily. Avoid harsh soaps and extra hot water. The key to preventing this water from escaping again is to apply a moisturizing cream or ointment within 3 minutes of patting the skin dry. Creamy or greasy moisturizers such as Cetaphil cream, Eucerin cream or plain Vaseline trap water better than thinner lotions and better than oils which tend to rub off. A newer generation of ceramide moisturizers, such as CeraVe and Impruv, contain ingredients which mimic the skin's own natural oils and help rebuild the skin barrier. For very flaky skin or the thick skin of the heels and elbows, creams with an exfoliating agent such as lactic acid or urea work well. Examples of these are AmLactin and Carmol 20. We also carry some excellent moisturizers here at the clinic.

For skin that continues to itch or forms dry red patches, prescription medications may be necessary. Call for an appointment if needed. Just remember that a few minutes of prevention a day can help you maintain healthy skin and avoid a winter of itching.