Got Itchy Skin

With the winter weather, sometimes our skin gets dry and itchy. Here are some tips to to help in the matter…

1. Apply a cold, wet cloth or ice pack to the skin that itches. Do this for about five to 10 minutes or until the itch subsides.

2. Take an oatmeal bath. This can be very soothing, especially for blisters or oozing skin due to chickenpox, hives, poison ivy or sunburn.

3. Moisturize your skin. Always choose a moisturizer free of additives, fragrances and perfumes.  Small amounts of mineral oil on wet skin works well and is cheap.

4. Apply topical anesthetics that contain pramoxine. 

5. Apply cooling agents, such as menthol or calamine. You could also place your moisturizer in the refrigerator to help achieve this cooling effect.

6. Bathe with lukewarm – not hot – water. Try to limit your bath or shower to just 10 minutes. Hot water removes natural skin oils         and causes dry skin which itches more

7. Always use “fragrance-free”  soaps and detergents to minimize irritation. Be wary of products labeled “unscented,” as they might          still have chemicals that can irritate your skin.  

8. As directed by your dermatologist, apply medications before moisturizing. Then, apply your moisturizer to all areas of your skin, including areas treated with medication. 

9. Wear loose-fitting, cotton clothes. Wool and other rough-feeling fabrics can irritate your skin, causing intense itching. 

10. Avoid extreme temperature changes. Maintain a relatively cool, neutral humidity environment in your house. Use a humidifier during winter if you are prone to dry skin and eczema. 

11. Reduce stress, as stress can make your itch worse.