The Secret of Great Health Care

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Dry Skin
  Extra: How to Manage Dry Skin

 Dry skin


Free health ebook chapter on dry skin

Dry skin is an uncomfortable skin condition that causes the skin cells to shrivel and develop fine lines. It usually is only a temporary problem, but some people have recurrent problems with dry skin.

Symptoms are often noticed most on the arms, sides of the stomach and lower legs.

Dry skin may cause

  • Skin tightness
  • Dehydrated skin
  • Symptoms worse after bathing
  • Itching
  • Rough skin
  • Redness of the skin
  • Flaking, peeling or scaling of skin or cracks in the skin

 

 What causes dry skin

 

 Who needs to see a doctor

 

 Treatment strategies

  1. Determine the cause of the dry skin and attempt to eliminate the cause
  2. Avoid long, hot baths or showers, use warm water and limit time to 15 minutes
  3. Do not use harsh soaps or deodorizing/antibacterial soaps; instead use gentle skin cleansers, cleansing creams, or gels with added moisturizers. Skin should feel soft and dry after bathing. Mild soaps with added fat and oils include Basis, Dove and Neutrogena.
  4. When bathing using oatmeal baths (Aveeno may help sooth the dry skin).
  5. Use over-the-counter moisturizers to help keep water from escaping the skin. Good products include Cetaphil and Eucerin. Oily moisturizers (ointments) are most effective, but are difficult to use due to their greasiness. Creams are easier to use but less effective. Over the counter products, medical supplies and health products can be found at: CWI Medical – Medical Supplies and Health Care Products or at The Drug Store.
  6. The use of oil (such as baby oil) can be applied to moist skin for more severe symptoms
  7. Apply moisturizer right after bathing, after you blot the skin dry (there should still be a little moisture on the skin). Moisturizers should be hypoallergenic.
  8. Can apply moisturizers 3-4 times a day.
  9. Dry hands can be treated with Vaseline covered by cotton lined gloves right before bed.
  10. Use a humidifier. The humidifier can either attach to your furnace or be portable.
  11. Dress properly. Cotton and silk are best for dry skin as it allows air in. Avoid products like wool. Use detergents without perfumes or dyes.
  12. Cool compress can be used to areas that itch.
  13. Inflamed areas can be treated with OTC hydrocortisone cream or ointment

 Over-the-counter Products

Topical treatment is the ideal way to treat dry skin as it delivers medications directly to the target organ – the skin – and thereby decreases side effects. Below are multiple products that can be used.

Which one should be chosen? Studies do not show one product being better than others. Creams are less effective, but are easier to use. Ointments are more difficult to use.

Determining which product will work best is not always easy. Trail and error are often needed to see which product works and feels the best.

Most products are equally effective if used as directed. AmLactin is a unique product that is applied twice a day and may be more effective than other medications. It has been reported to treated dry skin when other products have been effective.  

But be careful. It may cause more side effects. It may lead to more stinging and burning. It should not be applied to the face. It should not be applied to sunburned, irritated or broken skin. It may lead to increased risk of sunburn. It should not be used in children or pregnant women.

Over the counter products, medical supplies and health products can be found at: can be found at CWI Medical – Medical Supplies and Health Care Products.  

 

    Dry Skin Products

Product

Notes

Aveeno

Apply as needed, proven to relieve dry skin and moisturize for 24 hours, contains Dimethicone 1.3%

Eucerin – Moisturizing crème

once a day, no greasing feel, no fragrance

Lubriderm – for normal to dry skin

Moisturizes for 24 hours, non-greasy, lightly fragrances

Aquaphor – healing ointment

Ointment contains petrolatum 41%, protects cuts, scrapes and burns, used for dry, cracked and irritating skin

AmLactin

Apply to dry skin twice a day, contains 12% lactic acid

Vaseline – intensive rescue

Apply as needed contains Dimethicone 1%

Cetaphil® DailyAdvance™ Ultra Hydrating Lotion

Protects skin for 24 hours

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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