- Filed Under
There's another downside to our overactive winter: dry skin. Cold temperatures outside combined with a warm, dry environment inside can create a perfect storm for dry, itchy skin, also known as winter itch. The result can be painfully obvious - skin feels rough and appears dull and flaky. Fishnet-like cracks, inflamed red skin and pockets of infection also can develop in more serious cases. So what causes this? Dry skin results when there is not enough water in the outermost layer of skin - called the stratum corneum - for it to function properly. Too much hot, soapy water, exposure to harsh chemicals, normal aging and certain types of skin diseases are some of the causes. To reduce your risk of winter itch, take a short bath or shower - no more than 10 minutes - only once in a 24-hour period. Use skin moisturizers for long-term control and prevention. If an itchy, dry skin rash occurs, a prescription steroid cream or ointment may be needed.
Sources: University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, WebMD.com