• Home
• Lifelong Wellness

• Choose text size:
• A
• A
• A

December 16, 2011 | Comments: 4

Dry Skin: The Itching Hour

As the weather gets colder, your skin may be getting drier—and itchier. Here are 10 smart ways to ease the itch.

Your skin comprises about one-seventh of your total body weight and is a “sophisticated and dynamic organ,” in the words of a recent scientific paper. The skin is a barrier between you and the outside world. Among other essential functions, it helps maintain your body temperature and is a first line of defense for your immune system.

Your skin is also the most visible indicator of age—a fact that gives rise to much anxiety and a huge sector of the cosmetics industry. And as you grow older, it be­­comes thinner, produces less oil and retains less moisture—and thus is more likely to become dry and itchy.

This natural drying of the skin (called xerosis) is the most common cause of itching. Of course, other conditions can cause itching, including allergies, medications and various skin disorders such as eczema. If your itching is persistent, general and/or painful, see a doctor to rule out any underlying problems.

10 tips for avoiding dry itchy skin

• Avoid long sessions in the tub or shower, since water washes off the natural oils in the skin. A brief shower is much less drying than a long bath. Bath oils may feel soothing, but can leave a residue that contributes to itching. Bubble bath products may contain alcohol, perfumes or menthol—all potential irritants.

• Hot water may dry the skin, so keep the water lukewarm.

• Use soap without ingredients such as deodorants, antiseptics and perfume, which can be irritants. Use all soap sparingly.

• Don’t scrub. Avoid rough washcloths or loofahs. Use a soft towel to blot or pat yourself dry.

• Use a moisturizer after your bath or shower.

• Try not to scratch, as this irritates skin further.

• Use sunscreen daily on skin exposed to the sun. Sun exposure dries the skin.

• Wear cotton next to your skin, or synthetics you know are not irritating. Be wary of wool, which is often an itch-promoter. Don’t wear itchy clothing or sleep under an itchy blanket.

• Use mild unscented laundry detergent when washing clothing, towels and bed linens. Use only the amount recommended, or less. Try rinsing an extra time. Fabric softeners can also be irritating, especially those used in the dryer, which don’t rinse out.

• Avoid extremes of heat and cold—both can be drying. Maintain a comfortable humidity level in your surroundings (30 to 50 percent). Use a humidifier if necessary. Keep the thermostat as low as is comfortable in the winter (68° to 72° F). Rather than overheating the room, your skin will be better off if you wear warm clothing.

Read more on this topic