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Dry Skin Problems

“Winter Itch”, Asteatotic Eczema, Xerotic Eczema
C.M. Papa, M.D.

Why does my skin get worse in the winter?

Winter weather dries the skin. In our climate, the relative humidity, or moisture in the air, becomes very low during the cold season. In the house, the situation is aggravated by the dry heat we use to keep the house warm.

If my skin needs moisture, why can’t I just soak in a tub of water or take long showers?

Soaking your skin in water actually makes it become even drier. The water takes out the natural moisturizers.

What if I use bath oil?

The oils usually float on top and do little to moisturize your body in the water. If the oils are the kind that mix with the water, they have chemicals added which will only remove additional moisturizers from the skin.

Soap helps oils mix with water, what about soap?

Certain soaps are very drying and do contribute greatly to making the condition worse. You will be asked to avoid certain soaps and try others that are less likely to dry the skin.

What can I do to make sure my skin doesn’t dry out?

  1. Bathe or shower as infrequently as needed, particularly during the winter.
  2. Limit the cleaning to a quick wash, using tepid, warm, not overly hot water.
  3. Use one of the recommended soaps for washing. (see #12).
  4. Pat yourself dry after cleansing and apply one of the recommended non-medicated emollient creams to the dry parts of your body.
  5. Increase the moisture in the air in your bedroom.

How should I increase the moisture in the bedroom?

The easiest and best way is to use a “spin” humidifier. These small units can be purchased at stores like Rickels, Cahnel, Thrift Drug, and cost between $5 – $20. This whirls a stream of cool moisture into the atmosphere. The old steam vaporizers are not as satisfactory. Even home humidifiers in the forced air system, may not deliver sufficient moisture. You should use the spin humidifier during the hours of sleep.

What else can I do to help prevent skin irritation?

Generally speaking, coarse and rough fabrics, wool or the new synthetics, which are made to imitate the wool fiber, will, because of their nature, simply irritate on contact. The irritation causes itching; you rub and scratch and the skin problem flares up. Soft fabrics should be used particularly in the sensitive areas such as the folds of your arms and legs. A shirt collar that is starched or turtle-neck sweaters may irritate the nape of the neck.

What about swimming?

The answer is a definite “no!” Again, soaking in water will only dry out the skin. Some swimming is all right, but be reasonable with the length of time spent in the water. Remember also that the chlorinated water may particularly irritate your skin.

But I know that swimming at the shore helps me. How do you explain that?

The conditions near the ocean are such that there is more moisture in the air and less chance to dry out your skin. Additionally, the effects of the salt water, and simply relaxing in the sun, may have a good effect.

Do you mean that nerves have something to do with my problem?

The constant itching of the skin condition can sure “get on your nerves”. Other than feeling more on edge, and reacting more to the itching, the nervousness may make you sweat more.

What about my “nerves?”

Keep your skin in the best possible shape. When it is good, there should be no added problems from the skin condition. Try to keep an overall healthy perspective of yourself and of life in general. Don’t let emotional problems pile up. Seek help from appropriate people—your family, friends, minister, physician, etc., when necessary.

Soaps which are recommended:

Creams or lotions after bathing:

These contain chemicals which are the natural moisturizers in the skin. They may sting if applied to broken or cracked skin. Avoid using any emollients on the face.

Soaps to avoid:

Avoid any anti-bacterial soap.

This information provides a general overview on this topic and may not apply to everyone. To find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject, call the Student Health and Counseling Center or talk to your family doctor.