Dry Skin

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Dry Skin: Home Care & Treatment

It may help to change your bathing habits. Try the following:

• Keep baths or showers short.
• Use warm (not hot) water.
• Use as little soap as possible. Limit its use to face, armpits, and genitals if you can. Try mild cleansers like Aveeno or Cetaphil or mild soaps like Neutrogena or Dove.
• Dry your skin thoroughly but gently -- pat, DON'T rub.
• Take baths or showers less often.

Also, increase or maintain both skin and body moisture:

• Use bath oils and moisturizers at least daily. Thick, greasy moisturizers work best. Avoid products with alcohol. Apply just after a bath or shower, when your skin is still damp.
• Use a humidifier if the air is very dry.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Also, apply cool compresses to itchy areas, and try over-the-counter cortisone creams or lotions if your skin is inflamed. If this is not enough, talk to your doctor about possible prescription lotions.