It’s itchy, dry, flaky, and a thousand other terrible things–it’s wintertime dry skin and it’s so hard to cope with! Winter itch is caused by the dryness that floods through the air throughout the cooler months such as November, December and January and unfortunately it stays with us well into April in some states. Coping with winter itch is the first step–then you have to find a remedy for the dry skin that is the culprit for the itchy skin!
Winter Itch: What is It and Where does it Come From?
Dermatologists describe winter itch as the persistent itching of the skin that is associated with the cold and dry winter weather. For the elderly, winter itch can be even more discomforting as the skin is already experiencing a loss of moisture that is common with increased age and when winter comes the effects are ten fold.
Simply stated, winter itch is the result of months of cold air outside and heated dry air inside. The effects of these climatic changes cause the skin to lose valuable moisture that normally keeps it flexible and itch free. For some people, winter itch and the dry skin associated with this pesky problem also results in aggravated symptoms such as eczema and psoriasis.
Preventing Dry Skin During the Winter to Lessen Winter Itch
Dermatologists offer numerous options when it comes to the prevention of dry skin. The more moisture you can trap in the skin the less chance you will have of experiencing the irritating effects of winter itch. Throughout the winter months, dermatologists recommend that you use only lukewarm water to wash the skin, keep soaps down to minimal usage, and moisturize the skin within 3 minutes of washing to maintain the highest amount of moisture within the skin.
If Winter Itch Does Occur
There are some actions that you can take to alleviate the irritation that is caused by winter itch. First, make sure that you don’t further irritate the skin by adding to the itch. Never wash dry and itchy skin with soap and hot water as this will only dry the skin out more and make matters worse. Additionally, use only lanolin and fragrance-free moisturizers on dry skin affected by winter itch.
Try to use only fabric softeners and detergents that are for sensitive skin or that do not contain added perfumes of dyes. To further aid in the prevention of winter itch, keep skin loosely clothed but never wrapped tightly or layered with more clothing than is necessary. You want to keep the skin warm but not suffocate it.
Vitamins can also be used to help prevent winter itch. Dermatologists claim that Vitamins A, E, B, and C can all be used to aid in the prevention of dry skin during the cold months and throughout the year. Together, these remedies can help you prevent the itching and dryness associated with winter itch.
