Prevent and Heal Skin Damage
The best way to cure dry itchy skin is prevention. Once the skin dries and begins to scale or crack, you have entered the battle zone. It takes time to repair damaged skin and overly dry scaly skin is no exception. When your mother said, "A ounce of protection is worth a pound of cure," she knew what she was talking about. Keeping your skin healthy and protected goes a long way to preventing problems with dry itchy skin and will ward off those cracks that can cause pain and that open your skin to infection.Prevention
#1 Wear sunscreen. Just because summer is over, does not mean you can forego the sunscreen. Winter sun can damage your skin quickly especially if you are involved in outdoor sports like skiing or snowmobiling. Get in a habit of applying sunscreen every time you go outside to protect your skin from the damaging rays of the sun.
#2 Stay hydrated. When the weather cools, most of us tend to cut down on the amount of fluids we drink, but that is bad news for the skin. To keep your skin supple and to prevent drying, you need to drink eight glasses of water a day. Remember what you put into the body will eventually show on the outside.
#3 Keep skin covered. Even though you may think you do not need that pair of gloves to run out to the car, exposure to cold dry air, even for a few minutes, whisks away moisture and dries the skin. Get in the habit of putting slippers on as soon as you kick off your shoes. After a long day at work, relaxing with your shoes off may seem like a dream, but if they a moist from sweat, exposure to cool dry air may do more damage than good. Wearing slippers protect your feet from the damaging effects of dry winter air.
#4 Take short showers. A long hot shower at the end of the day may be relaxing, but should be avoided if you suffer from dry skin. Hot water and soap breaks down the natural oils in the skin leaving it exposed to the elements. Reducing temperature and length of showers often prevents issues with itchy dry skin. As unpleasant as it sounds, many dermatologist recommend skipping the daily shower and sponge bathing needed areas, at least every other day. If you are not comfortable giving up the daily shower, reducing the temperature and duration is the next best thing.
#5 Moisturize. Invest in a good body moisturizer and apply while you skin is still moist from the shower. Fragranced lotions may not do the trick and may even contribute to your problems with dry scaly skin. Look for moisturizes with plant-based oils for the best moisturizing effects. These oils, like almond oil, penetrate the skin and work to repair damage sealing in moisture. Mineral oils work as a barrier preventing water loss and minimizing the effects of dry cold air, but stay on the surface of the skin.
#6 Use a mild soap. Soaps are designed to break down oils on the skin, but may be too harsh for winter use. Consider switching to natural or moisturizing soaps that are gentler on the skin. Watch out for fragrances that may make your skin problems worse.
Healing
#7 Healing dry cracked feet. Dry cracked feet can be treated by soaking and removing built-up callus. A pumice stone or foot file does a great job of removing callus, but be gentle. Cracked feet are sensitive and should be treated with care. Work the areas of callus with the pumice stone daily until it is removed and then maintain a regular schedule of foot care. Apply creams designed for cracked heels or feet. Bag balm is also a great softener for cracked feet. Apply moisturizer before bed and sleep with clean cotton socks to promote healing.
#8 Healing dry cracked or bleeding hands. Hands that are cracked and bleeding require immediate care to ease pain and avoid infection. Avoid water and always wear protective gloves before doing dishes, cleaning or exposing your hands to water. Keeping them dry is paramount to healing. Apply an intensive hand moisturizer designed for cracked hands. Do not expose your hands to winter weather or extreme cold or hot air. Thoroughly dry hands after washing and reapply moisturizer. Apply moisturizer before bed and cover with a pair of cotton gloves to allow hands to heal while you sleep.
Just because it is winter does not mean you must suffer from dry itchy scaly or cracked skin.With proper skin care and quick action when problems arise, you can prevent skin problems due to cold dry air. Make it a habit to take care of your skin before problems arise. Remember what your mother always said, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."
