Sometimes you may have felt that your skin is dry, tight, and itchy. This condition is especially common in cold weather or when you are constantly in air-conditioned (AC) rooms. This is really annoying. But don't worry, if you keep your skin properly moisturized, you can stop this itching. Let's see what you can do about it.
Moisture is the key! (Moisturize)
If you have dry skin, it's a must to use a moisturizer every day . The best time to apply it is after a shower or after washing your hands, when your skin is still slightly damp. This is when the moisture in your skin is locked in.
If you can, choose a moisturizer that is a bit thicker and more oily. In fact, ointments like petroleum jelly are best. These form a thin film on the skin's surface and largely prevent water from evaporating. However, some people don't like this oiliness.
The next best option is creams . These are not as oily as ointments, but they provide good moisture to the skin.
Lotions are less thick than other types of lotions. They are more watery. Therefore, they are easy to apply and absorb into the skin quickly. However, since the water evaporates quickly, they do not retain moisture for as long.
The most important thing is that the moisturizer you choose should be free of harmful ingredients like artificial fragrances and dyes. It is best if it says ``Hypoallergenic`` on the label. This means that the product is less likely to cause an allergic reaction.
If you don't have a moisturizer at home in an emergency, you can also use some pure coconut oil, which is available in our kitchen. It is also a good natural moisturizer.
The way you bathe is also important!
Frequent bathing, especially in hot water, strips away the natural oils in our skin. This can make our skin even drier. If you have dry skin, consider these things.
- Don't use hot water when bathing. Warm or normal water is best.
- Don't shower for more than 10 minutes. Limit your shower time as much as possible.
- Avoid bathing more than once a day.
- Adding a little baby oil or oats to the bath water can help relieve itching. However , if you use oil, you need to be very careful as you can slip and fall in the bathroom.
- Don't rub your body vigorously with a towel after bathing. All you need to do is pat yourself dry .
- If the air in your bedroom is dry, using a humidifier can add moisture to the air and reduce skin dryness.
Should we stay away from scented soaps for a while?
Although scented soaps, especially deodorant soaps, may make your body smell nice, the chemicals in them can strip your skin of moisture. This can make itching worse. Therefore, it is best to use such soaps only on sweaty areas like the armpits, groin, and feet.
For other parts of the body, choose a soap or body wash that is as simple as possible, unscented, and labeled "for sensitive skin."
This also applies to laundry detergents . Avoid detergents and fabric softeners that have added fragrances and dyes. Often, products that do not have these ingredients will have words like "Free" (perfume-free/dye-free) on the label.
| Do's | Don'ts |
|---|---|
| After bathing, apply moisturizer to damp skin. | Avoid bathing in hot water. |
| Wear soft fabrics like cotton. | Avoid using scented and colored soaps and laundry detergents. |
| Use a humidifier if the air in the room is dry. | Avoid wearing rough fabrics such as wool. |
| Drink enough water. | Don't scratch your skin too hard. |
Good food for healthy skin
While there's no single food that can cure dry skin, a balanced diet can go a long way toward healthy skin. Some foods have the ability to reduce inflammation, which can lead to dry and itchy skin.
- Green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale
- Brightly colored fruits like strawberries, purple fruits, and oranges
- Tomato
- Nuts like walnuts and almonds
- Flaxseed and flaxseed oil
- Olive oil
- Oily fish like salmon and tuna (almonds)
In addition, eat whole grains instead of refined flours. Reduce sugar consumption as much as possible.
When should we see a doctor?
If you've been doing these things for about two weeks and the dryness and itching of your skin hasn't subsided, definitely see your doctor.
Sometimes this dryness and itching can be a symptom of another skin condition, such as eczema or psoriasis, which requires specific treatment.
Remember, don't pick at your skin because you're scratching it. Doing so can cause damage and lead to bacterial infection. If your skin becomes red, swollen, painful to the touch, or oozing pus, these may be signs of an infection. If this happens, see a doctor right away. You may need to take antibiotics.
Occasionally, but very rarely, itchy skin can be a symptom of a more serious condition, such as liver disease. It's very unlikely, but a doctor can check it out and clear up any doubts.
If you have a mild rash, you can try using a 1% hydrocortisone cream that you can buy at the pharmacy. This is a type of steroid. It reduces itching, redness, and swelling. But it's wise to talk to your doctor before using any medication. If the rash is severe, your doctor may prescribe a stronger medication.
Take-Home Message
- Use a moisturizer every day, especially after bathing, to keep your skin moisturized.
- Avoid bathing in hot water, and bathe in lukewarm water for no more than 10 minutes.
- Choose unscented, simple soaps and laundry detergents.
- Don't scratch your skin, as it can lead to infection.
- If this condition persists for more than two weeks or if there are signs of infection, such as redness and swelling of the skin, be sure to see a doctor.
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