Have Dry Itchy Skin? Could Be Allergies.

Dry skin plagues people of all ages, but is particularly common in older people. Dry, irritated, itchy skin characterizes a number of skin diseases that are collectively referred to as eczema. Xerotic eczema (xerosis), also known as the winter itch, occurs most often during the dry, cold winter months, as a result of repeated wetting and drying without the use of moisturizing.

Someone forward you this email? No Sweat! Sign up here to get your own If you're having trouble viewing this email, click here Follow Us Have Dry Itchy Skin? Could Be Allergies. Dry skin plagues people of all ages, but is particularly common in older people. Dry, irritated, itchy skin characterizes a number of skin diseases that are collectively referred to as eczema. Xerotic eczema (xerosis), also known as the winter itch, occurs most often during the dry, cold winter months, as a result of repeated wetting and drying without the use of moisturizing. Daniel More, MD Allergies Expert How Can I Get Relief From My Dry Skin? Many people with dry skin have a difficult time finding relief. Various skin treatments, including over-the-counter moisturizers and prescription topical corticosteroid creams, may not be effective for the treatment of xerotic eczema. Dermatologists have long known the secret to treating dry skin, using a technique called soak and smear (also known as soak and slather). READ NOW Causes of Itchy Skin Pruritus refers to an unpleasant sensation that causes the need to scratch, commonly called itching by most people. Itching may be localized to a certain area of the body, or can be all over, or generalized. When there is a rash that goes along with the pruritus, the cause is usually easily determined and treated. However, the most difficult cases of pruritus are those without an associated rash. READ NOW Dry, Itchy, Cracking Hands in the Wintertime People who get rashes from repetitive hand washing may experience symptoms of redness, flaking, blister formation, cracking, and chronic skin thickening. Pain and itching may also occur. These skin changes usually occur on the back of the hands as well as the spaces between the fingers. The skin on the palms is much thicker, and therefore more resistant to irritants and allergic rashes. These hand rashes may occur throughout the year, but are worse during the dry, cold winter months, possibly as a result of warm or hot water being used, which contributes to the irritant effect on the skin. READ NOW Featured Articles • Best Headphones for Runners • Best Products to Carry Your Phone on the Run • The 10-minute Ab Circuit Workout • How to Do the Pilates Criss Cross • 10 Healthy Gifts for Under $100 • How to Buy the Best Healthy Gifts for Your Loved Ones • 8 Ways to Add Flavor to Your Water Bottle • 10 Gifts Every Athlete Will Love Advertisement About Allergies  |  Follow Us You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Allergies newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here 1500 Broadway, 6th Floor, New York, NY, 10036 © 2015 About.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy.