Dry Skin And Its Effective Treatment
Do you suffer from dry skin? The chances that you do are not as remote as some people think
. Hundreds of millions of people worldwide currently suffer from the condition. Also contrary to what many people think, it is a condition that is usually easily treated.
Symptoms vary in each individual and range from a mild, itchy inconvenience to an unsightly and painful chronic condition. In extreme cases the skin can become raw with open wounds susceptible to infection.
The correct medical term for dry skin is xerosis cutis. This derives from the Greek xeros meaning dry. However, eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis are some of the other medical conditions that may result in, and are commonly referred to as, dry skin. In addition, dermatologists refer to the fish-like scaling of severe cases as ichthyosis.
Healthy skin is supple and smooth, topped with a thin layer of natural lipids; fatty substances that help keep the correct level of hydration in the epidermis. If these lipids are scrubbed away by compulsive washing or by using harsh soaps and lotions, then dry skin often follows.
The normal process of aging can also produce dryness of the skin. In fact, the majority of retired people suffer to some extent. Women are particularly susceptible as changes in hormone levels can contributed to the problem.
People with an inadequate or non-varied diet often suffer from dry skin. The medical conditions of diabetes, thyroid imbalances, along with others, can also make people susceptible to dry skin.
Having understood the major causes of dry skin, it is pleasing to realise that most incidences can be cured by following a few simple guidelines.
Firstly, adopt a sensible hygiene routine:
Always use a mild, fragrance free soap or cleansing lotion. Perfumes and additives can irritate and exacerbate already vulnerable skin.
Avoid using a harsh sponge or cleaning brushes. By doing so, along with any grime or dirt, you will likely remove your skins own protective layer.
The best option is to take only cool showers. If you do prefer a bath, only fill it with lukewarm water. If your skin feels tight or wrinkled after cleaning, then the hot water is likely to have damaged your epidermis.
Never dry yourself by rubbing. This again, has the tendency of degrading the delicate epidermis. Instead, blot yourself dry by dabbing with a soft towel.
Next, ensure that you use a pharmaceutical grade moisturiser:
Using a moisturiser is critical in addressing dry skin problems. However, always use a moisturiser that is fragrance, and preferably, alcohol free - the less allergens that your skin is subjected to, the better. This will rule out many cosmetic moisturising creams and lotions.
Ideally, the moisturiser should also provide waterproof protection whilst still allowing your skin to perspire and breathe naturally.
The best time to apply your moisturiser is immediately after washing whilst the skin is slightly damp. This will help to lock in the water that is vital for keeping your skin supple.
Thirdly, be aware of your environment:
Dry skin problems are often worse in the winter months. This is because the cold, drying winds draw the moisture out of the skin. When venturing out, ensure that you are adequately protected with a scarf, hat, gloves and other windproof clothing.
The dry, warm heat often induced by central heating can have the same effect of drying out the skin. The use of humidifiers, especially in the bedroom, can bring some relief.
Finally, become self aware:
Monitor the condition and extent of your dry skin. You may be to single out an activity or circumstance that has a detrimental effect on your dry skin condition. Contact with irritants play a major role in causing and exacerbating dry skin and related problems.
For example, you may find your hands particularly dry after spending a day undertaking gardening tasks. Chemicals used in gardening products or contact with certain plants, or even contact with just the soil, are all known to potentially induce adverse skin reactions.
Does wearing certain items of clothing appear to coincide with a noticeably deterioration in your skin quality? Try to avoid synthetic materials, in particular, intimate apparel should be cotton rich and loose fitting. Your clothing should never chafe and should allow your body to perspire naturally. A change of washing powder or washing liquid can also help to eliminate any skin irritation.
Maintaining a personal log, detailing everything that you eat, wear and do, is a major aid to becoming self aware and being able to identify underlying causes of dry skin.
Following these few commonsense guidelines should reduce or alleviate most outbreaks of dry skin. However, it is important to realise that if your skin condition is persistent, or the area affected feels hot or painful to touch, or the onset is rapid, then you should consult your doctor.
by: Peter Friswell
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