The cold, dry air of winter combined with indoor heat, can quickly lead to skin dryness, itching, and irritation. Flare-ups of psoriasis and eczema are also common as the humidity drops. Several treatment options exist to manage skin irritation, depending upon the severity of the symptoms.
Eczema is a common skin irritation in children and people who have asthma, hayfever and allergies. It is also referred to as atopic dermatitis, and appears as a red, itchy rash that may be bumpy. Eczema is often triggered when the skin becomes too dry and then encounters an irritant, such as detergents, fragrances, pollen, dust, wool, cigarette smoke, or a food allergen like dairy, soy, wheat or nuts. Eczema can be made worse with hot showers or heavy sweating and overheating of the skin, because these events encourage inflammation. The condition is not contagious, but excessive scratching can break and contaminate the skin, leading to an infection. Frequent moisturizing is key to preventing and treating eczema, as it supports the skin's barrier and makes it less prone to irritation. Should the condition become moderate to severe, schedule an appointment to see your dermatologist or healthcare professional.
Psoriasis has similar symptoms to eczema, but is a more severe, genetically-based skin condition that affects the whole body. Psoriasis usually develops in adulthood rather than childhood and may lead to arthritis due to inflammation of the joints. It is a proliferative disorder, meaning that skin cells build up and do not shed off normally, resulting in red, silver, or white plaques. The elbows, knees, and scalp, skin folds, and any areas where the skin is frequently rubbed are typically affected. The nails may also be affected. Psoriasis is not contagious and there is no cure. However, dermatologists can suggest treatment options to improve the condition.
Home Care Tips for Dry Skin:
In addition to your medical care for psoriasis and eczema, Renew offers excellent products to treat any dry, irritated skin condition.
Avene Thermal Spring Water silicate and trace minerals calm and soften skin, reduced redness, convenient purse-size for travel
Avene Trixera emollient bath the perfect soaking bath to relieve itchy, dry skin, soap-free and fragrance-free
Avene Trixera cream soothes itching, reduces inflammation, and prevents moisture loss
Avene Cold Cream Hand Cream moisturizes through 8 hand washings
Avene Cold Cream rich, creamy facial moisturizer
Avene Cold Cream Lip Balm protects up to 8 hours, Vitamins E and F nourish skin and give antioxidant protection
Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser minimal ingredients, soap-free, oil-free, paraben-free
Avene Bath Bar soap-free and lanolin-free, does not disrupt the skin's pH balance
Renew 15% Glycolic Body Lotion excellent for treating keratosis pilaris and rough elbows and knees
Glytone Retexturize heel and elbow cream 29.5% glycolic acid to exfoliate calloused heels