Cold winter air often leaves skin dry, flaky, and itchy. For some, this is temporary; for others, it’s a lifelong challenge. Dryness is usually worst on hands, arms, or legs, but it depends on factors like age, health, and outdoor exposure. While saving money post-holiday, check out these tips to soothe your dry skin before heading to Walmart for a humidifier or skincare products.
Visit AFC Ooltewah for treatment!
Common Causes of Dry Skin:
Xerosis, also known as dry skin, is common in cold weather when the air pulls moisture from your skin. Aging, harsh products, and low humidity all contribute to dry skin, especially in winter.
What Else Causes Dry Skin?
While cold air is a well-known cause of dry skin, frequent handwashing and bathing are also major contributors. Washing your hands often is important for your health, but using soap and warm water repeatedly strips your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Hot showers and long baths can have the same effect, especially during the winter when humidity levels drop. To protect your skin, stick to gentle cleansers, limit exposure to hot water, and always moisturize after washing or bathing.
Dry Skin Symptoms:
Dry skin is likely to cause symptoms, including:
- A feeling of skin tightness, especially after showering, bathing or swimming
- Deep cracks that may bleed
- Fine lines or cracks
- Gray, ashy skin in people with dark skin
- Itching, also known as pruritus
- Redness
- Skin that feels and looks rough
- Slight to severe flaking, scaling or peeling
Think it might be something else? AFC Ooltewah is here to help.
Tips to Protect Your Skin:
- Stay adequately hydrated throughout the day.
- Incorporate more healthy fats into your diet.
- Don’t over-wash your skin.
- Get an adequate amount of exercise every week.
- Don’t smoke.
Our Ooltewah clinic team can offer more in-depth dermatology care during your visit.
Tips to Keep Moisturized:
Take these steps to help your skin retain moisture and decrease dryness:
- Shower every other day with warm water, keeping showers short to prevent moisture loss.
- Use mild soaps or cleansers that include moisturizers and avoid alcohol-based products.
- After bathing, apply a thick, oil-based moisturizer to seal in hydration.
- Protect skin outdoors with sunscreen or SPF 30+ moisturizers, even on cloudy days.
- Run a humidifier to keep indoor air hydrated, cleaning it regularly to prevent buildup.
- Wear breathable fabrics like cotton and silk, and avoid itchy materials like wool.
- Treat dry skin gently by avoiding excessive scrubbing or scratching.
Calm itchy dry skin by using cool compresses. To treat inflammation, consider applying an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream with 1% strength.
When to Visit an Urgent Care Clinic?
Don’t let dry skin take a toll on your health. At AFC Urgent Care Ooltewah, we’re ready to assist with persistent skin problems. If at-home treatments aren’t enough and you’re experiencing pain, sores, or inflammation, visit us today. Our compassionate team will ensure you get the care you need to feel better fast.
