How to Beat

Itch

Winter Itch:

Dry skin is most common in your lower legs, arms, flanks (sides of the abdomen), and thighs. The symptoms most often associated with dry skin include:

v     Scaling

v     Itching

v     Cracks in the skin

Causes 

Dry skin is common. In general, your skin is driest in winter, when temperatures and humidity levels plummet. Winter conditions also tend to make many existing skin conditions worse. It happens more often in the winter when cold air outside and heated air inside causes low humidity. Forced-air furnaces make skin even drier.

The skin loses moisture and may crack and peel, or become irritated and inflamed. Bathing too frequently, especially with harsh soaps, may contribute to dry skin. Eczema may cause dry skin.

Other factors
Other factors, including certain diseases, can significantly alter the function and appearance of your skin. These include:

v     Psoriasis. This skin condition is marked by a rapid buildup of rough, dry, dead skin cells that form thick scales.

v     Thyroid disorders. Hypothyroidism, a condition that occurs when your thyroid produces too little thyroid hormones, reduces the activity of your sweat and oil glands, leading to rough, dry skin.

v     Alcohol and drugs. Alcohol and caffeine can visibly dry your skin. Prescription drugs such as diuretics, antihistamines and isotretinoin (Accutane) also have a drying effect.

v     Dehydration. Severe diarrhea and vomiting, a high fever, profuse sweating during exercise or simply not drinking enough liquids can cause your body to lose more fluid than you take in. One of the first signs of dehydration is skin that has lost its elasticity.

Home Care

v     It may help to change your bathing habits:

v     Keep baths or showers short.

v     Use warm (not hot) water.

v     Use as little soap as possible. Limit its use to face, armpits, and genitals if you can. Try mild cleansers like Aveeno or Cetaphil or mild soaps like Neutrogena or Dove.

v     Dry your skin thoroughly but gently -- pat, DON'T rub.

v     Take baths or showers less often.

Also, increase skin and body moisture:

v     Use bath oils and moisturizers at least daily. Thick, greasy moisturizers work best. Avoid products with alcohol. Apply just after a bath or shower, when your skin is still damp.

v     Use a humidifier if the air is dry.

v     Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

v     Apply cool compresses to itchy areas, and try over-the-counter cortisone creams or lotions if your skin is inflamed. If this is not enough, talk to your doctor about possible prescription lotions.

When to Contact a Medical Professional   

Call your doctor if:

v     You feel itchy without a visible rash

v     Dryness and itching are preventing you from sleeping

v     You have any open cuts or sores from scratching

v     Home care measures do not relieve your dryness and itching

What to Expect at Your Office Visit   

v     Your doctor will perform a physical examination with careful attention to all parts of your skin.

v     To better understand the cause of the dry skin, your doctor may ask:

v     When did your dry skin develop or has it always been dry?

v     Are all parts of your body affected? If not, what are the specific locations involved?

v     What seems to make the dryness worse?

v     Does anything make it feel better?

v     What are your bathing habits?

v     Do you have any other symptoms?

Source: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Dry skin