Winter Itch

by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger

30 Jan 2009 07:41 PM

If you have dry, itchy skin during the colder months, you're not alone. Winter itch is a relatively common complaint during the winter.

Symptoms of winter itch can include:

• Itching ("winter itch" isn't just a clever name)
• Dryness
• Flakiness

Why is winter such a problem for your skin? This is usually the season for low humidity and low temperatures. The former is a problem because when there's less moisture in the air, there's less moisture for your skin to absorb. The latter is a problem because we tend to use the heat when it's cold. That can suck even more moisture out of your skin. Age is another factor; after the age of forty, the skin begins to lose some of its natural protection against dryness.

If you live in a high-humidity climate (like, say, Florida), winter itch probably isn't a problem.

If winter itch is making you suffer, try these tricks to help relieve dryness and itching.

• Try to keep showers short and warm. Super-hot water can suck moisture from your skin.
• Pick gentle, hydrating cleansers. Harsh soaps can strip moisture from your skin.
• Don't skimp on the moisturizer. Use it after you shower and throughout the day. Look for ingredients like petroleum jelly and shea butter -- things that will help your body trap moisture in the skin. This is one of the best things you can do to relieve dryness and itching!
• Crack a window or use a humidifier to help keep your skin hydrated.
• Protect yourself against wind, which can chap already dry skin. Use lip balm for lip protection and cover your face as much as possible. Avoid extreme cold, which can exacerbate skin problems in some people.
• Drink plenty of water. You can help your body stay hydrated from the inside, but drinking water alone won't solve winter itch issues. Hydration from the inside and protection on the outside are both key.

If all else fails, you might need to visit a doctor or dermatologist. Severe discomfort may be a sign of more serious skin issues.

Learn more about Aimee Amodio

Aimee is a fiction writer... dog lover... music lover...

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