What To Do For Dry Skin

When To See A Dermatologist

While a moisturizer can help treat most cases of dry skin, it cant treat all dry skin. Your dry, itchy skin may be the result of a skin condition such as eczema or an underlying health condition such as kidney disease or hypothyroidism. Eczema is a common skin condition, affecting more than 31 million Americans. Symptoms include dry, itchy, inflamed, and cracked skin.

While moisturizer may relieve some eczema symptoms, eczema is a chronic skin condition that requires a treatment plan and possibly prescription medication. If home-care remedies fail to relieve dry skin after two weeks, make an appointment with a dermatologist.

How To Help Dogs With Dry Skin At Home

In addition to any treatments your vet might prescribe, there are some things you can do at home to provide relief and make sure your pup heals properly during treatment.

Brush your dog. This will help remove some dandruff from your dogs skin and provide him some relief from itchiness.

Use a conditioning shampoo. This will help moisturize flaky skin and reduce itchy sensations. Do not use shampoo on your dog if you can see redness of the skin, spots, open wounds or discharge of any sort, Dr. Wigfall said. Oatmeal and aloe vera are good ingredients to keep an eye out for.

Use a cone. If your dog is nibbling at his dry skin, this will reduce the chance of secondary bacterial infection from further trauma and bacteria, Dr. Wigfall said.

Trim his nails. Keeping your dogs nails short will help reduce the chances of secondary infection from scratching at dry skin, Dr. Wigfall said.

Factors That Can Contribute To Dry Body Skin

Several other factors also affect the severity of skin dryness. Being aware of these additional factors will help you to avoid them and reduce their impact.

Lack of effective treatmentWhen dry skin is not treated effectively, the severity of the dryness can increase leading to complications in the overall condition of the skin.

Sun exposureWhen protecting dry skin from the sun, it is important to use the appropriate Sun Protection Factor . Choose a product that moisturises skin, and ensure that it is free from irritating perfumes and colourants as dry skin is more prone to irritation than normal skin.

Occupational hazardsSome occupations require working in conditions that may increase the risk of dry skin. Typically these are occupations that require exposure to the causes of dry skin, such as working in hot or cold conditions , or frequent use of detergents , or exposure to chemicals .

DehydrationSkin receives its moisture via the body, and is therefore dependent on the bodys water balance. When dehydrated, the body reduces the supply of moisture to the skin which can contribute to dryness. Elderly people are prone to dehydration as the sensation of thirst diminishes with age.

Solutions

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Tip : Take An Oatmeal Bath

If nothing else seems to be helping the dryness and itch of your skin, an oatmeal bath may be a lifesaver for your skin. âSimply blend some good oleâ oatmeal in a blender, sprinkle it in a warm bathtub, and soak for about 15-20 minutes,â says Dr. Besnoff. The blended oatmeal releases soothing beta-glucans into the bath to help soothe dry, itchy skin. âOatmeal contains antioxidants that are great from treating most skin disorders. Oatmeal is great for cleansing your skin and locking in moisture â it also normalizes your skinâs pH,â says Dr. Besnoff.

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Ingredients To Avoid On Your Skin

In general, Dunnick says, the fewer the ingredients, the better. This advice goes for skin care products as well as laundry detergents and fabric softeners. For example, she recommends avoiding products with harsh preservatives, fragrances, or dyes.

If anti-aging products such as retinol and alpha-hydroxy acid are part of your everyday skin care routine, you may want to give them a rest or cut down on how often you use them if you experience excessive dryness, redness, and flakiness. You should also avoid products with alcohol, except hand sanitizer, and limit how often you use an exfoliating scrub or product.

Risk Factors For Dry Skin

Dry skin can affect anyone. But some risk factors raise your chances of developing dry skin, including:

• Age. Older adults are more likely to develop dry skin. As you age, your pores naturally produce less oil, raising your risk of dry skin.
• Medical history. Youre more likely to experience eczema or allergic contact dermatitis if you have a history of these conditions or other allergic diseases in your family.
• Season. Dry skin is more common during the fall and winter months, when humidity levels are relatively low. In the summer, higher levels of humidity help stop your skin from drying out.
• Bathing habits. Taking frequent baths or washing with very hot water raises your risk of dry skin.

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Night/day Cream Based On Skin Type

For dry skin, your best friend is a moisturiser. Choose one with ceramides, which can hydrate your skin and seal in the moisture.

• For the day, look for a high SPF in your moisturizer so that it can protect your skin from the suns harmful UV rays, pollution and also help it fight free radicals .
• A good moisturiser ideally should contain active ingredients like niacinamide and phytosphingosine, lanolin, glycerin, hyaluronic acid and if possible, Vitamin C. Glycerin is gentler on the skin than lanolin which reduces the risk of an allergic reaction for sensitive skin.
• Always choose a moisturiser based on your skin type. In summer, lighter, gel-based moisturisers work best.
• Combination skin needs a light, water-based moisturiser for the oily areas. Use a heavier, cream-based one for the drier parts of your face and neck.
• If you have dry skin, you can opt for a cream based one that has extra hydration properties.
• Sensitive skin needs one that is hypoallergenic so that it doesn’t break out due to irritants.
• Oily skin needs non-comedogenic moisturisers that are oil-free so that they dont block pores.
• For a night moisturiser, look for one that contains retinol , which your skin needs to rejuvenate its cells as you sleep. Sometimes, these are prescription based. So check with your doctor, as not all retinol-based creams are good for dry skin.
• Use an overnight hydrating mask once in a week for an extra moisture kick.

How Can You Treat Dry Skin On Cats

Start by working to increase humidity in the air during the winter you can do this simply by introducing a humidifier, or even by placing a pan of water by the radiator to increase moisture in the cats indoor environment.

Then, address any possible omega-3 fatty acid deficiencies in your cats food. Dr. Osborne suggests adding an eighth teaspoon of fish oil, flaxseed oil, or salmon oil mixed into meals once daily.

Beyond that, focus on your cats bathing and grooming. Grooming helps prevent mats and tangles, and removes loose hair. Grooming on a regular basis is the single best way to maintain the overall health of the skin and hair coat, Dr. Osborne says.

She suggests regular bathing using hypoallergenic shampoos that contain oatmeal or benzoyl peroxide to provide relief. You might also try a vinegar and water rinse, she says. To prepare it, add four tablespoons of white vinegar to one gallon of water. Massage this through the fur, then rinse again with plain water and air dry.

If you still notice dry skin on your cat, try a leave-on moisturizer with aloe vera and alpha keri, Dr. Osborne suggests. And of course, if the problem persists, bring your cat to the vet so she can get examined in person.

Treatments for Cats With Dry Skin

HONEYWELL Cool Mist Humidifier

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Can I Put Moisturizer On My Cat

If youre anything like me, you love your cat like a family member. So its only natural that you want to give them the best of everything including the best skincare products! After all, who doesnt want their cat to have a lustrous coat and healthy skin?

While it might be tempting to use your own moisturizer on your cat, its actually not a good idea. Pets tend to lick off whatever is applied to their coat, and some human skin lotions contain chemicals that can be harmful if swallowed. Ingestion of moisturizers may cause drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea in pets.

So whats the best way to keep your cats skin and coat healthy? Talk to your veterinarian about the best products to use on your feline friend. They can recommend specific moisturizers and other products that are safe for cats and will help keep their skin and coat looking and feeling great.

Along with, No, you shouldnt put your favorite moisturizer on Fluffy. Pets tend to lick whatever is put on their coat and some human skin lotions have chemicals that shouldnt be swallowed. Ingesting moisturizers may cause drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea in pets.

Symptoms Of Dry Skin On Dogs

Dry skin does not present in the same way for every dog. Symptoms associated with dry skin include:

• increased oiliness

Some dogs experience only one of these symptoms while others present with several. Keeping an eye on your dogs symptoms can help your veterinarian diagnose the cause of your dogs dry skin.

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Epsom Salts For Wounds

You might use magnesium-rich Epsom salts to relieve sore muscles. They have anti-inflammatory properties and are also useful for soaking and cleaning wounds, Morgan says. They cause abscesses to open and drain, relieving pressure in the wound and allowing healing. We use these a lot for soaking feet of horses and also dogs with inter-digital sores.

To create a soak for your dog, Morgan advises mixing the Epsom salts with warm water and applying the soak on your dog for five to 10 minutes, three times a day.

Use A Thicker Moisturizer In The Winter

After your shower, use a soft towel to pat skin dry and apply a hydrating moisturizer. Opt for a cream or balm that’s thicker than the lotion you use during the summer. The thicker texture “seals moisturizing ingredients into dry, cracked, flaking skin,” Dr. Chapas says, helping them adhere for long-term, intense healing. She suggests using balms and salves with silicone, petrolatum, lanolin, and natural oils.

For dry skin on the face, GH Beauty Lab senior chemist Sabina Wizemann recommends layering moisturizer with a hydrating serum packed with hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which can help increase moisturization, such as No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Serum.

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Other Causes Of Dry Skin On Dogs

Sometimes dry skin is caused by environmental conditions such as cold weather and dry air, or by excessive bathing, harsh soaps, and poor nutrition. If you suspect that your dogs dry skin is the result of nutritional deficiencies, environmental conditions or bathing habits, it is still a good idea to consult your veterinarian in order to rule out more serious conditions.

Slather On An Antioxidant Serum

While most summertime products get swapped out come winter, serums are the one exception to that rule. As long as its alcohol-free, an antioxidant serum is perfect for year-round usage, says Marchbein. No matter the climate, skin gets attacked by free radicals, she explains, causing sun spots, the breakdown of collagen, and premature fine lines. To prevent the damage, apply a vitamin C formula as a first layer in the morning, before layering on heavier products. And dont forget the sunscreena daily dose of SPF 30 will keep skin covered, even on cold, cloudy days.

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Whats The Difference Between Dry Skin And Eczema In Babies

Wondering if that dry patch is actually a sign that your sweetie might have a more serious skin issue? Dry skin and eczema can have some symptoms in common. But there a few ways to tell the difference .

• Eczema patches have a more distinct appearance. Run-of-the-mill dry skin can look rough or scaly. But skin with eczema can also be inflamed, and can look red or pink or red-brown, purplish or grayish . Skin with eczema can also develop tiny, fluid-filled pimples that eventually burst.
• Eczema shows up in different spots. Both eczema and dry skin can appear on your babys hands, feet, face and lips. But its also common for eczema to develop in areas not typically prone to regular dryness, such as behind your babys ears, on her scalp, in the creases of her elbows or behind her knees.
• Eczema may not just flare up when its cold or dry. Like dry skin, eczema can worsen due to cold or dry weather or from too-warm baths. But if your baby has eczema, you might also notice her skin can become irritated by moisture , dust, scratchy fabrics and certain soaps or detergents. Keep in mind, however, that eczema affects every child differently.

How To Treat Dry Skin On Kittens

If your kitten has dry skin, there are a few things you can do to help. First, increase the humidity in their environment. This can be done by using a humidifier or by placing a bowl of water near their litter box or bed. You can also try giving them a bath with a mild, hypoallergenic shampoo. Be sure to rinse them well and towel dry them before putting them back in their environment.

If their dry skin is due to a lack of essential fatty acids, you can try giving them a supplement or adding some fish oil to their food. You can also try using a topical ointment or cream to help soothe and protect their skin. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian before using any new products on your kitten.

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Simple And Inexpensive Ways To Moisturize Itchy Dry Skin

Dry skin occurs when skin doesn’t retain sufficient moisture. This can happen as a result of frequent bathing, use of harsh soaps, aging, or certain medical conditions. And for those in colder climates, it can stem from cold, dry winter air.

During winter months in the Northern Hemisphere, you may suffer from red, rough, raw, and itchy skin. This is because cold winter air means low humidity, both outdoors and indoors. The water content of the epidermis tends to reflect the level of humidity around it. Fortunately, there are many simple and inexpensive things you can do to relieve winter dry skin, also known as winter itch or winter xerosis.

Even if you live in a part of the world where cold winter air is not currently or ever a concern, most people will need to manage dry skin at some point. These tips for keeping skin soft and healthy can help all who battle dry skin, from chilly New England to balmy Hawaii and beyond.

Apply Coconut Oil Before Bedtime

Coconut oil becomes a solid at room temperature, so use it as a moisturizing cream at bedtime or anytime, recommends Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at SkinSafe Dermatology and Skin Care in Beverly Hills, California. For chapped heels and hands, apply the oil, then layer with thick socks or nonlatex gloves.

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Home Remedy #: Olive Oil & Honey For Dry Skin

Olive oil and honey are effective home remedies for dry skin on legs. Olive oil contains fatty acids, which help moisturize skin. It also contains vitamin E, which will protect your skin from environmental factors that cause dryness. As for honey, it has a long-documented history of treating dry skin effectively.

A mixture of virgin olive oil and honey is easy to make at home. Mix one tablespoon of olive oil with one tablespoon of honey to form a paste. Apply the home remedy on your legs, let it dry for a while, and rinse it off.

How Can You Protect And Soothe Your Skin During Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy might affect your skin in several ways.

For example, during chemotherapy, your skin can become dry, rough, itchy, and red. Its also possible you might experience peeling, cracks, sores, or rashes. Chemo may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn.

To help protect and relieve skin-related side effects from chemotherapy:

In some cases, your doctor or nurse might prescribe medications to treat skin symptoms. For example, they might prescribe medicated creams or ointments, oral corticosteroids or antibiotics, or other treatments.

If you develop open sores on your skin, carefully clean them with mild soap and water. Cover them with a clean bandage. Check them regularly for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, drainage, or pus.

If you suspect that youve developed an infection or youre experiencing an allergic reaction, contact your doctor or nurse right away. In some cases, infections and allergic reactions can be serious and even life-threatening.

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