Tips For Relieving Dry, Itchy Skin

By: Paula Paulson Click author's name for more of his/her articles

Some people worry more about having dry itchy skin which can lead to a variety of conditions and complications. It is important to understand that every skin type requires a specific approach to get rid of the symptoms fast and for good. Manifestations can occur on the face, elbows, feet and other areas of the body. An effective dry skin care regimen will help keep your skin any time of the year.
The Definition of Dry Skin
Dry skin is medically termed as xerosis and usually is not serious. However, it has a very unsightly appearance because of shriveled cells that form fine lines and wrinkles on different areas of the body. Serious dry skin conditions like ichthyosis can be disfiguring and life-threatening so patients have to deal with the problem permanently. Majority of ordinary itchy dry skin stems from a variety of factors like hot or cold weather, excessive washing or bathing and low humidity. It can also exist in chronic and severe forms requiring a dermatologist's assessment and evaluation.
A lot of people experience dry skin temporarily especially during the cold winter months in areas like their arms, lips, lower legs and sides of the abdomen. The pattern, signs and symptoms will vary depending on the age of the person, location, exposure to causative elements and root cause.
Some things you may experience include skin redness, tightness after bathing or swimming, shrunken or dehydrated skin, rough skin, dry itchy skin or pruritus, fine lines, wrinkles, cracks, deep fissures that can bleed, peeling, severe flaking and scaling. Dry skin care will focus on the present symptoms and current problem.
Why the Itch?
Environmental factors are the most usual cause of dry skin. Weather is one causative agent since your skin tends to dry most in cold and low humid places. Existing skin conditions can aggravate in low temperatures. Harsh soaps, detergents and chemicals take out lipids and water from the skin. Stay away from deodorants and antibacterial bar soaps since these can damage the skin.
A lot of shampoos actually dry out your scalp leading to flaking. Items that lower humidity lead to dry skin too such as wood-burning stoves, space heaters and central air conditioning. Swimming too long in heavily chlorinated pools and bathing frequently will break down lipid barriers on the skin.
In uncommon cases, dry skin problems can stem from underlying diseases such as psoriasis characterized by dead skin cells building up and forming scales. Alcohol, diuretics and anthistamines have a drying effect. Thyroid disorders or when the thyroid gland produces too little hormones can affect oil and sweat production. Diarrhea andconditions that dehydrate will contribute to lost skin elasticity.
What Can You Do to Relieve Dry Skin?
Dry skin care should involve regular healthy lifestyle practices that will keep skin healthy and moist. Use moisturizers throughout the day containing only natural ingredients. There are cosmetic products that have moisturizers for women as well as cleansers and toners for men. Putting very little baby oil on your skin will keep water from evaporating. Use warm water instead of very hot or cold which remove oils. Also limit shower or swimming time to 15 minutes or less when treating dry itchy skin.
Avoid harsh soaps and opt mild ones with added oils and fats. Pat your skin dry instead of rubbing after washing. Use a humidifier to control itching and flaking and use the right type of fabrics that do not irritate your skin. Another dry skin care tip is to place cool compress to extremely dry areas to minimize inflammation.

Article Source: ABC Article Directory

About The Author: Paula Paulson is a passionate researcher of natural skin care health and products. She shares her research on Truth About Skin Care. If you want to know more about relieving dry, itchy skin, visit this site now to learn about the skin care line Paula personally recommends.