Dry Skin Treatment

The problem of severe dry skin is called ichthyosis and if left untreated can lead to disfiguring which could further result in psychological distress. However one must remember that most of the skin related problems and mainly dryness are the result of environmental factors which can be effectively controlled, either partially or wholly. Thus as a first step towards severe dry skin treatment one must avoid extreme hot or cold conditions, low humidity levels and excess bathing. Other treatments for severe dry skin are as follows:

• Moisturizing the skin: dryness of the skin can be effectively, kept at bay by moisturizing the skin with creams and lotions. These lotions and creams act as a sealant and keep the body water from escaping. In case of severe dryness, oils like baby oil can be used to trap the water. Oils are always better than moisturizers for preventing the water from evaporating from the skin’s surface.
• Bathing rituals: proper bathing rituals can highly treat dry skin. Of these, the first should be to use warm or lukewarm water for bathing. Cold or hot water removes the oils from the surface of the skin making it dry. Second of the bathing rituals should be limit the time of the shower to just 15 minutes and not more. Lastly, moisturizers should be applied right after the skin has been patted dry but still a little moist. Mild soaps should be used to keep away the dryness.
• Use humidifiers: if the air indoors is dry and hot, it causes sensitive skin to get parched and lead to itching. Humidifiers are the best solution to this problem as they help in increasing the indoor air moisture.
• Choose fabrics that let the skin breathe: fabrics such as cotton are the best for the skin as they let the skin breathe and thus keep it cool. Detergents used to wash the clothes should also be mild without having perfumes or dyes that irritate the skin.

Inflammation of the skin or itchiness can be reduced by using hydrocortisone ointments or creams. If the condition of the skin does not improve upon using these treatment methods, it is best to consult a dermatologist.