Got dry skin?
Published Monday November 17th, 2008
Itchy, hot, sore and very bothersome. That's how Linda Stafford describes her extremely dry skin. It's the result of genetics coupled with colder outside temperatures and warm, dry inside air.
She suffers from eczema which is a type of skin inflammation. It can be red, itchy and swollen - sometimes with fluid-filled bumps that ooze and crust. It's a common problem but it is not contagious, says dermatologist Dr. Bernice Krafchik.
Most cases of eczema involve children. It is rare for an adult to suffer from it, she says. But sometimes, as in Stafford's case, it is hereditary and continues throughout adulthood.
Although eczema cannot be cured, under a doctor's care, and a treatment plan, it can be controlled.
Moisturizing the dry skin, treating the inflammation with cortical steroids and bathing in lukewarm water with an emulsifying oil will help keep the water on the skin, says Dr. Krafchik.
Once out of the bath it is important not to dry off. Instead, she says, a mid-strength cortical steroid ointment should be applied to inflamed areas and, in the winter months, Vaseline should be applied to areas of skin that aren't inflamed.
"Wear cotton clothing washed in a mild detergent with no bleach or fabric softener. Turn the heat down as low as you can tolerate it. You should get a cool-mist humidifier for the room because that adds moisture to the atmosphere."
Stafford takes care of her eczema now to prevent flare-ups.
"It (the eczema) got away on me for quite a few years. The eczema killed the nailbed. It was very, very itchy and it hurt."
Stafford says her dry, itchy and painful skin condition is brought on by stress, washing dishes and using cleaning products without wearing rubber gloves.
Experience has taught her what to do and what to prevent flare-ups. She avoids scented skincare products. When she washes dishes or cleans her home with harsh cleansers she always wears rubber gloves.
When the weather gets colder, her dry skin becomes drier and itchy. She will leave for Florida in December. The humid air there will ease her skin's dryness. She stopped sunbathing years ago. Now when she is outside she uses lots of sunscreen.
But Stafford likes to be on the golf course while she's in Florida. So, after six months, she will return to Fredericton with a tan. After about a week her skin will start to shed, she says.
"I have to use a lot of moisturizer then."
Pam Parks doesn't have a problem with dry skin anywhere except on her legs, she says. She is trying to combat the problem by applying an intense moisturizer daily and always after getting out of the shower.
Both woman have been undergoing microdermabrasion treatments to help improve their skin's appearance.
This process resurfaces the face by removing the upper layers of the epidermis. It refines pores, reduces uneven pigmentation and smooths superficial scars and blemishes. It also increases collagen production which helps to smooth wrinkles and restore the skin's elasticity.
This is the ladies' fifth treatment. Stafford says she has noticed a significant improvement in how her face looks and feels.
"I noticed my skin is softer. There are no dry patches. It does help with wrinkles. I find I glow. I feel I've taken five years off (the look of) my face."
If you are suffering from dry skin, check with your doctor. You might be able to treat it at home but it may be a condition that needs to be seen and treated by a dermatologist.
Most people suffer from some amount of skin dehydration in colder weather. Mild cases of dry skin can easily be resolved by doing a few simple things, says Dr. Krafchik.
A good moisturizer performs several important functions, including replacing lost water. Water-binding ingredients, such as glycerin, help keep it in the skin.
Try to use mild skin care products to help prevent dry, itchy skin, she says.
If you put oil in your bath water it keeps the water in the skin. If you prefer to bathe rather than shower, do so with lukewarm water.
When you finish bathing or showering, gently pat dry your skin and then moisturize right away.
Heating your home will cause the interior air to be dry. Try adding moisture to it with a humidifier, she says. This will counteract the drying effects of indoor heat.
Drinking lots of water will help your body's natural moisture level by staying hydrated.
Remember to dress for the cold. Limit the amount of time your skin is exposed to cold temperatures and wind which can lead to dry skin.
Try to avoid licking your lips if they are dry because this will only make them more dry and chapped. To keep your lips soft and smooth, apply a moisturizing lip salve, especially before bed.
"You should keep doing this throughout the cold, dry weather."
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Worth pointing out that lots of skincare products contain irritants.
The US National Eczema Association publishes a list of ingredients to avoid on there site. http://www.easeeczema.org thats were I found a product called exederm - its not sold here, but you can but online and the ship to Canada. http://www.exederm.com