DRY SKIN DERMATITUS

Dry skin dermatitis is a problem for many people, especially in cooler weather when there is less moisture in the air. When the skin loses water it becomes less pliable, and then tends to chap and crack. These chapped, cracked areas often become irritated and result in a dry, itching, scaling rash. Sometimes the rash consists of circular patches which are incorrectly thought to be ringworm.

The treatment of dry skin dermatitis depends on restoring the moisture content of the skin. Soap should be avoided, but Del-Clens, or Cetaphil cleanser, or Dove unscented sensitive skin soap, or other unscented soaps available may be substituted. After a bath the body is dried by gently blotting with a towel. After blotting dry apply heavy moisturizers such as Ala-Derm lotion, Cetaphil cream, Eucerin cream, or Vaseline petroleum jelly (not Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion) to your body. This lotion should also be applied at least one other time a day, and more often if the skin begins to feel dry.

When there is itching, creams or ointments containing Cortisone are usually quickly effective in bringing relief. Very occasionally, the dry skin dermatitis becomes so severe that a brief course of internal steroids or antihistamines are required.

Dry skin dermatitis tends to recur, especially in the winter time. At the first sign of dry skin dermatitis, resume the lubricating routines you have found most effective and carefully avoid the use of soap.