Is it dry skin or is it a skin condition?

This is the season for dry skin. Many will wonder if it is more than just dry, cold weather causing flakiness and itching. One of the most common reasons to go to a dermatologist is for a condition called dermatitis.  This is a very broad term but mainly describes dry, irritated red itchy skin usually localized in patches. It is stubborn and does not go away on its own.  One of the most common times of year for dermatitis to lurk is during the cold dry winter and seasonal allergy months.  These factors can spur on an underlying condition, which can be of a hereditary form.  Another name for dry skin, often starting in childhood and sometimes later in life is eczema. Your skin can also be sensitive to many irritants ranging from chemicals, dyes, pollens, wool, foods, medications, mechanical irritation and repetitive washing of hands and body to the point of dryness.  Once dermatitis is diagnosed, it usually has to be addressed with some type of therapy. The first step is the removal of the irritants or agents if possible. Then you should refrain from actions causing extreme dryness such as excessive hand washing in a job setting. Of course, you must still wash your hands. Be sure to protect your skin from direct contact of the substances causing the irritation.  Of course, moisture needs to be added to the skin in the form of soothing creams and lotions containing non-irritating substances.  A tepid bath soak, never hot, followed by a soothing healing lotion while the body is still wet is helpful.  Some people will seal in the moisture by wearing cotton gloves or clothing after applying lotion. If the condition does not go away and persists over years, it may be an atopic situation. This is the person who is likely allergic to medications, bee stings, nickel, pollens, dyes and chemicals.  If this is the case, it is chronic and not curable but can be controlled.  Many people notice in changing in environment they get either better or worse.  For example, a trip to the ocean could result in a clearing. However, a visit to a dry, cold environment or a region with heavy pollens such as ragweed and allergens could worsen the skin. The good news is that nothing is wrong internally and the majority of the time it is not associated with rare, internal diseases.  Most dermatologists will prescribe a cortisone cream for flare-ups, to be used topically and internally if severe.  Long term use can be a problem so determining the causes and keeping the skin moist with smooth, soothing creams and lotions such as Clinage will help significantly. When it comes to anti-aging and anti-acne clients, be prudent and evaluate what to use.  Most anti-aging and anti-acne substances such as Retin A and glycolic acid may be too irritating. However, vitamins such as Vitamins A and E, serums, niacinamide creams and mists containing minerals and vitamins with green tea are vey helpful in healing the skin and give skin the continuous moisture it needs. If a persistent rash does not go away and affects your daily functioning, see a dermatologist. Remember to always get a skin check while you’re there for any odd growths or changing moles to detect skin cancer or melanoma.  Both are curable if caught early. Until next time…..