Dry skin treatment

Skincare.

Tips and Instructions for Reducing Dry Skin 

Dry skin is defined as the condition in which the skin loses its ability to retain its moisture and elasticity, which may be attributed to many causes:

 

• Having certain health problems.
• Aging.
• Being in a cold and dry climate.
• Certain behaviors, such as:
• Use strong soaps.
• Bathing frequently.

It is noteworthy that most cases of dry skin show a noticeable response and improvement when making some lifestyle changes and following certain habits. From this point of view, we mention the following set of tips and guidelines that may contribute to maintaining skin moisture and integrity:

 

 

Moisturizing

It is recommended to use skin moisturizers several times during the day, and pay attention to applying them to the skin after each shower, as these substances contribute to the work of an insulating layer on the skin that preserves its water content. Therefore, we find that the thicker and denser the moisturizer, the better its effectiveness in preserving Skin moisture, and in this aspect, we mention the following some examples of products and materials that may help moisturize the skin:

Medical preparations to moisturize the skin, which can be obtained without the need for a prescription; Such as products that contain the following materials:

• Glyceryl polymethacrylate.
• Soft white Paraffin.
• Glycerol.
• Sweet almond oil.
• Hyaluronic acid.
• Glyceryl glucoside.

Cosmetics moisturize the skin, which contains substances that Moisturize the skin.

Oils that are used in cases of severely dry skin, as oils are effective in preventing water evaporation from the surface of the skin, especially since their stay on the skin lasts longer if compared to the use of moisturizing products, and baby oil is an example of a type of oils used for cases of dry skin.

 

Ointments that contain petroleum jelly or petroleum jelly (Petroleum jelly), are distinguished by their greasy texture and texture, so it is preferable to use them only at night.

 

Moisturizing personal hygiene products for the skin, such as:

• A mild soap that contains types of oils and fats added.
• Shower gel that contains emollients.
• Cleaning creams.

In addition to the above, it is recommended to stay away from the use of some types of preparations to maintain the integrity of the skin and prevent the aggravation of its dryness, including the following:

• Deodorants.
• Antibacterial products.
• Alcohol and perfume.

 

Wear gloves to do housework

Attention should be paid to wearing gloves while doing household chores that may contribute to skin irritation and sensitivity, in order to protect hands from detergents and utensils, and in this aspect, it is preferable to choose gloves that do not contain latex or wear a pair of rubber gloves over cotton gloves. Soft before starting house chores.

Adjust the water temperature while taking a shower

Many people tend to shower with hot water and use certain types of soap with the belief that they contribute to moisturizing and re-repairing the skin. However, hot showers may cause damage and cracking of the skin, in addition to the harmful effect of using these types of soaps that contain Most of them contain severe chemicals that may cause allergic reactions and increase skin thinning.

Therefore, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) pointed out the importance of changing and adjusting the daily shower regime, including the use of warm water instead of hot water that contributes to ridding the skin of oils, as well as making the shower period not to exceed 5-10 minutes, and using soap Fragrance-free and gentle on the skin when showering.

Avoid exposure to allergens and irritants

In some cases, the cause of dry skin is due to the exposure of the skin to certain materials or fabrics, or the presence of conditions that irritate the skin and its sensitivity, and the following are some examples of ways to control the factors that may cause skin irritation and dryness:

• Avoid sitting near the stove, or being in swimming pools that contain chlorine or any other chemicals that contribute to skin irritation.

• Make sure to wear clothes made of natural materials that are gentle on the skin and allow it to breathe; Such as cotton, silk, and avoid wearing clothes made of wool, or other fabrics that may contribute to skin irritation.

• Pay attention to the use of detergents that are free of dyes and fragrances when washing clothes, as the detergents used in washing clothes may also cause skin irritation.

• Make sure to wash bedding at least once a week using water at a temperature of 54.4 degrees Celsius or more, in addition to cleaning floors and carpets with a vacuum cleaner, in order to get rid of house dust mites (Dust mites), as dust mites are one of the common irritants present. In the rooms of the house, which may cause itching and skin irritation.

Apply moisturizer immediately after showering

It is always recommended not to neglect the task of moisturizing after bathing, whether using creams, ointments, or other products, as this can contribute to maintaining the skin's hydration and suppleness, so it is recommended after bathing by patting the skin with a towel in order to dry it while maintaining a little moisture, and within a few minutes The appropriate moisturizer is applied to the skin, and it is mentioned that Vaseline is one of the best materials that help moisturize the skin, but there are other materials that are also good for moisturizing after bathing, as I mentioned earlier.

Use of humidifiers In some cases, dry skin occurs due to the use of heating systems in the home, and to reduce the chance of this problem occurring, it is recommended to turn on humidifiers, and Harvard Medical School recommends setting these devices to 60%, which is the degree that is sufficient to overcome Dry air due to gas and heat from heating systems.

Reducing itching 

Some cases of dry skin are accompanied by an unpleasant feeling of itching, and it can be alleviated by following some home methods and tips, while a doctor’s review or consulting a specialist is necessary in the event that these methods are not feasible in relieving itching or that the symptoms are clearly starting to worsen, and in general, we mention in Here are some ways to relieve itchy skin:

• Reducing inflammation that provokes itching and dryness by using certain types of creams or ointments that contain hydrocortisone by at least 1%, and it can be dispensed without the need for a medical prescription.

• But the pharmacist should be consulted about how to use it and the precautions to be followed during the period of use.

• Put cold compresses on the itchy area.

Medical treatment for dry skin

In cases of severely dry skin or serious skin problems, medical treatment is necessary. Here are some examples of medical treatment methods that a specialist may recommend for cases of dry skin:

Creams are often given to treat severe cases of dry and flaky skin. 

These over-the-counter (OTC) products contain:

• Lactic acid.
• Lactic acid with urea.

Creams and ointments are only available with a prescription and are prescribed by a doctor in case of more serious skin diseases; Such as:

• Psoriasis.
• Ichthyosis.
• Atopic dermatitis or eczema.

Topical steroids or steroid-preserving agents. 

The doctor may prescribe these preparations to treat cases of dry skin that lead to inflammation and the appearance of symptoms of itching and redness of the skin. The use of wet dressings may be recommended in cases where the skin is exposed to cracks, in order to prevent infection. In severe cases, a doctor may prescribe steroid medications that are given by injection or taken by mouth.

Reasons to see a doctor

A visit to the doctor is necessary in certain cases that suffer from dry skin, in order to obtain a medical evaluation and learn how to deal with the problem. Here are some of the most prominent of these cases that require a visit to the doctor:

• The dryness of the skin and its symptoms did not improve despite following the right methods and advice.
• The appearance of dry skin is one of the signs of a skin disease that needs treatment.
• Severe dry skin that needs creams and ointments that are only available with a prescription.