7 Ways To Manage Dry Itchy Eczema-Prone Skin

You can easily treat it with over-the-counter lotions and creams which quickly moisture the dehydrated skin and leave it feeling more comfortable. While eczema tends to be more severe and is lifelong, dry skin is usually a normal response to the environment or your lifestyle, such as exposure to harsh weather, central heating and illnesses like the common cold, as well as smoking, drinking alcohol, a poor diet and hormones.

Handily, a bout of dry skin doesn’t usually need attention from a doctor and can be easily solved with a trip to the pharmacist to pick-up an emollient moisturiser. If dry skin is bothering you, read on to discover simple ways you can pump up the moisture and banish that dreaded itching feeling.

Don’t skip the moisturiser

If you’re prone to dry skin on the body then you should be moisturising at least twice daily with an emollient – the medical name for a moisturiser – specifically for dry or eczema prone skin. These soothe irritation and quickly soften dry scaly skin.

Bathroom cabinet spring clean

Many of us use harsh cleansers with alcohol and soaps and shower gels which contain detergents that strip our skin of precious oils and aggravate dry skin conditions. Switch these for gentler versions designed for sensitive skin such as a cleansing cream which washes and hydrates at the same time.

Turn up the humidity

Our modern centrally heated and air-conditioned homes can end up with very dry air. To counteract this, consider investing in a humidifier.

Turn down the temperature

High heat and sudden temperature changes can irritate our skin and dry it out. When showering make the water a little cooler and avoid long hot soaks in the bath. The same goes for central heating and wrap-up warm on cooler days to reduce your exposure to the harsh elements.

Exfoliate regularly

Dead cells can collect on the surface of our skin as it continuously renews itself, making it feel rough and dry and look dull. Use an exfoliator once a week to help remove old dry flaky skin and help unclog pores, but don’t overdo it as excessive exfoliating and cleansing can rapidly dry out the skin.

Drink more water

is your dehydrated skin merely craving an extra glass of water? You should be aiming for the recommended eight glasses a day and remember caffeinated drinks like tea and coffee can actually be dehydrating, as well as alcohol. Avoid sugary beverages and try to stick to plain water as much as possible. Sparkling water with some fresh herbs like mint can help make things more interesting if you’re craving something fizzy.

Cover up

On sunny days, be sure to use SPF protection and on winder cold days, use layers to shelter your skin from the elements. If you’re caught in a downpour, get soggy clothes off as soon as possible and moisturise with an emollient. If you’re swimming, likewise, always shower off and moisturise afterwards. And remember, rubber gloves are your best friend for cleaning and the washing up!