Dry, itchy, flaky skin is the most
common skin problem, especially in the winter. It develops when the skin loses
water (not oil) to the air. Dry indoor air is a common cause, as is excessive
bathing in hot water.
Avoid showers. They strip the skin's natural oil, which
helps hold in moisture. Baths are much kinder to the skin than showers
are.
Use bath oils in the tub.
Use mild soaps (such as Dove or Cetaphil), especially
under the arms and in the genital area.
Use a moisturizing lotion after your bath.
Follow the Prevention guidelines above.
For very dry hands, try this for a night: Apply a thin
layer of petroleum jelly and wear thin cotton gloves to bed. (Dry feet
may benefit from similar treatment.)
Avoid scratching, which damages the skin. If itching
is a problem, see "Relief From Itching" on See
Relief From Itching.
If you itch all over your body but there is no obvious
cause or rash.
If itching is so bad that you cannot sleep, and Home Treatment is not helping.
If your skin is badly broken due to scratching.
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Relief From Itching
Keep the itchy area well lubricated. Be careful
not to dry out the skin, because doing so will increase the
itching.
An oatmeal bath may help relieve itching: Wrap
1 cup of oatmeal in a cotton cloth and boil as you would to
cook it. Use this as a sponge and bathe in tepid water without
soap. Or try an Aveeno colloidal oatmeal bath.
Calamine lotion is helpful for poison ivy or
poison oak rashes.
Try a nonprescription 1 percent hydrocortisone
cream for small itchy areas. Use very sparingly on the face
or genitals. If itching is severe, your doctor may prescribe
a stronger cream.
Try a nonprescription oral antihistamine (Chlor-Tripolon,
Benadryl).
Cut nails short or wear gloves at night to
prevent scratching.
Wear cotton clothing. Avoid wool and acrylic
fabrics next to the skin.
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