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Coping with dry skin

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Coping with dry skin

Reviewed by Dr Stuart Crisp, specialist registrar

What is dry skin?

A condition (not necessarily a disease) where the skin is red, scaly and itchy.

The problem is usually worse in autumn and winter.

Dry skin is most common on your face, hands, arms and legs.

As you age, dry skin becomes more likely.

What causes dry skin?

As people get older, the number of sebaceous glands that give out a type of oil in the skin are reduced, as is the skin's ability to hold moisture.

It appears both the skin's ability to hold water and how well it protects the body, depend on the amount of fat the outer layer of skin contains. This outer layer is known as the epidermis.

Genes also play a role. If relatives suffer from dry skin, you are more likely to develop the condition. In extreme cases, fish-like scaling of the skin is sometimes seen (ichthyosis).

Over-use of soap and water, a dry, warm indoor climate, excessive sunbathing and other environmental effects have a great influence on how dry the skin can become.

How can I prevent dry skin?

There is no reason to shower more than once a day. Don't shower in very hot water.

Avoid the over-use of soap. Use a mild soap with a skin-friendly pH value.

Dab skin dry - don't rub.

Apply a moisturiser while skin is still a little damp.

Air your home, and turn down the heating.

Do not over-indulge in sunbathing. Excessive exposure to sun rays can cause dry skin, wrinkles and skin cancer.

To reduce irritation, wear light clothes made of cotton.

How can I treat dry skin?

First and foremost, use moisturisers and oily creams. There is no reason to buy expensive fragrant creams.

Your doctor or pharmacist can recommend some inexpensive perfume-free creams, and may be able to give you some samples.

Depending on how dry your skin is it may be best to use a relatively thin moisturising lotion or cream in the summer and switch to a thicker more oily moisturising ointment in the winter.

Moisturising shower gels and bath additives that don't strip the skin of its natural oils can be used instead of soap when washing. Again, your pharmacist can recommend products.

Dry skin is a feature of inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis and, in these cases, the doctor or the dermatologist may choose to treat the condition with a steroid cream that reduces inflammation.

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