Daily Fit Tip: Does your dry skin need a doctor?

Posted on Nov 30th 2007 6:00AM by Rigel Celeste

Filed Under: Daily Fit Tip, Alternative & Green Health

The weather is getting colder and heaters are kicking on regularly, which means the air is getting that winter dryness we all love so much (yeah right) and along with it, unfortunately, so is our skin. Most of the time staying well hydrated and using OTC moisturizers will do the trick, but sometimes it's more serious and needs the attention of a doctor. How do you know the difference? Here are a few signs that it may be time to schedule an office visit:

Sudden and unexpected onset of dryness
Sudden onset of itchiness
Skin that's so dry it's red, swollen, cracked, bleeding, or oozing
Dry skin that appears after starting any new medications

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Tags: beauty, dry, drying, skin, skincare

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

Michaerl 12-02-2007 @ 7:56AM

I have a skin condition called ecsema and at times its breaks out badly and need to go on prednisone therapy..What can I do to prevent this from getting so bad..I have tried moisturoizers and topical solutions sometimes to no avail..it is painful and unsightly at times and have gone to dermatologists often over the years but the conditin persists and it is chronic i think..any suggestions?

boomer 12-03-2007 @ 6:16AM

Try EUCERIN. It's what doctors & dermatologists usually recommend. It's at most drugstores in navy blue & white packaging. Comes in cream in jar, try first, lotions and assorted bath products.

chris 12-02-2007 @ 8:43AM

have your Dr prescribe Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream USP, 0.1

holly byrd 12-02-2007 @ 9:26AM

my daughter have exzema and very dry skin. i have finally found a product that works for them. its called keri intesive ultra healing. its a little expensive (6 dollars a bottle) but it works miracles.

Pam 12-02-2007 @ 10:21AM

My daughter was breaking out in eczema at the beginning of every winter. A few years ago her pediatrician Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream 0.1%. That cleared it up quickly. He recommended using Curel lotion to prevent future rashes. He also said to stay away from any creams or lotions with lanolin in them. That is the worst for people with skin problems. She has been using it since and has not broken out again. I also use it myself and love it. I have been using Curel Continuous Comfort (24 hour daily moisturizing lotion for dry skin). It is not greasy and lasts all day. It is reasonably priced and comes in a pump.

Bob 1-06-2008 @ 1:50PM

I FOUND SOME SOAP ONLINE THAT HAS ABOUT 20 OR MORE INGREDIENTS IN IT AND NOTHING BAD. A LOT OF ORGANIC STUFF IN IT AND ONLY ESSENTIAL OILS TO MAKE IT SMELL GOOD. MY 50 YEAR OLD SKIN HAS TURNED TO VELVET AND MY DANDRUFF PROBLEMS HAVE TOTALLY GONE AWAY. I EVEN SHAVE WITH IT NOW AND MY WIFE HAS THROWN AWAY ALL HER CREAMS AND CONDITIONERS AND ONLY USES BOBSKINSOAP.

eric 12-02-2007 @ 11:50AM

During the winter, certain areas of my skin always itch terribly. However, I have found that cutting back on showers (every other day instead of every day) makes a significant difference. During the coldest times when the furnace is running most, I even cut back to a shower every third day. I do sponge bathe certain areas that are prone to sweat and smell, but I do not bathe all over. It's a big help for the itchiness.

notasdry 12-02-2007 @ 12:14PM

I have stopped using any products that contain mineral oil, petrolatum and parabens and my skin doesn't seem to NEED as much moisurizer as it used to. That stuff seemed to make my skin depend on its use! I buy Avalon Organics, Alba, etc. Stuff that doesn't contain the above.

My son was born with really dry skin. I have done the same for him, and his skin is MUCH better as well.

Sandy 12-02-2007 @ 12:32PM

I shop online and get some great rebates. I have a free website that has over 1,000 stores, including Avon, K-Mart, Drugstore.com and Targets. This not only saves me money but is a great business. www.shoponlineandgetarebate.com.

Fritaly 12-02-2007 @ 1:27PM

Eczema can be eliminated by eliminating non-raw dairy from your diet, or at least by switching to organic dairy (but if yours is severe, go raw).
Realmilk.com has more info
And so does Dr Mercola's site.

Annette 12-02-2007 @ 12:36PM

I didn't find it said specifically in these comments, but if you're using a deodorant soap.......stop using it and find something else along the lines of Dove. I don't have particular brand in mind......since I'm still experimenting after my doc said....."stop using that soap!!" and she did recommend using Curel Continous Comfort....so far so good except for the soap!!!

Laura 12-02-2007 @ 12:51PM

Eczema is often related to allergies - if your condition is persistant you should consider seeing an allergist in conjunction with a dermatologist.

Angus 12-02-2007 @ 1:35PM

Selsun Blue (a dandruff shampoo) has cured myself, my two brothers and father of eczema (dry skin). My brother used to get it so bad his skin was like raw hamburger. When I used to get the rash I would douse it directly with Selsun Blue and the rash would go into remission after a few days. Then I started a preventive treatment where once a week I would mix about 1/2 a bottle into a bath and soak for about 15 minutes. I haven't had any symptoms for years now, and I haven't needed it. The other thing is that I have stopped drinking chlorinated tap water, that may have been the original cause. I only drinK distilled water. Also, I have my own well water and therefore do not bathe in chlorine!

lagreb 12-02-2007 @ 1:58PM

There is a mall kiosk at the Woodfield Mall (its called Skin Solutions) in the Chicago area that sells some natural creams, shampoo and washes that really help relieve skin problems. I use the shampoo and no more dry, flakey dandruff and my scalp does not itch anymore. And I especially use their double strength stuff now in the winter because when I use it I don't get cracks in my skin at the tips of my fingers and thumbs and my hands don't fell like sand paper. I was at their kiosk the other day and watched on of theri repeat customers telling someone who came up to their kiosk how good the stuff was and how it was taking care of severe problems she and her daughter had. I bet they like that, their customers selling other people on how good their products are. They also sell on line their web-site is aim2health.com This is really good natural stuff.

Shelley N 12-02-2007 @ 2:02PM

My daughter suffered the worse eczema our doctors had ever seen. Pinpointing where the break outs were the worst, we put her in cloth slippers for awhile (she had it on her feet) and clothing that was pure cotton. We ordered from the pharmacy Eucerin Pure Gentle Cleanser, and washed her with the soap Eucerin. We slathered her at night with Eucerin Lotion and wrapped her in cotton t-shirts to prevent it from getting on the sheets. In two weeks it was a miracle-- you could not tell that she had ever had eczema. Slowly we added back shoes and other goods but watched for outbreaks! Antigen therapy from a highly reknown clinic McGovern Allergy clinic in Houston helped her to NEVER break out again! Their number is 713 661-1444

Lee 12-02-2007 @ 2:15PM

Whenever you have skin problems, look to your diet and do your research. People on a meat and dairy diet are getting too much of some fatty acids and too little of others. Add Udo oil, flax or hemp oil daily and add raw walnuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds... We are primarily herbivores but can be omniverous if needed. We don't need to be in this day of plentiful vegetarian food. Consider our awareness of animal cruelty and environmental destruction from factory farming, not to mention our nation's abundant health problems on a heavily processed animal product based diet. This is advice from a former nurse. My family have been very healthy vegetarians for 15 years and vegans for 5 years. It's a journey and you can start with small steps.

Roy Keller 12-03-2007 @ 10:47AM

Try a couple tablespoons of non distilled vinager in bath water!

sunnygal 12-02-2007 @ 4:31PM

Thats the benefit of living in South Florida-
No winter skin!
Today i went out on the boat and enjoyed lovely 81 degree, sunny weather.

Sorry. I do feel bad for y'all though.

Kathy 12-02-2007 @ 6:15PM

I know this sounds strange but it really works. I have ecsema as well and the best thing ever is to use Olive Oil. It really works and have recommended it to others who swear by it also. Just rub it on your skin and you are good to go. I use so much of it that I buy it by the gallon. It's better than any over the counter stuff you can buy. I even put a little in my bath water. Try it!

Natalia 12-02-2007 @ 8:42PM

As soon as it starts to get cold outside, and dry inside, my hands get so bad, to a point where they hurt if I even wash them. The look red, very very dry, and it looks like I have little scratches all over, as if they are going to bleed. They never blead, but that is what it looks like. This year, my left hand is a lot worse than my right. I feel embaresed, and I try to hide them so people don't see. As soon as the weather gets warmer, it goes away. It happens every year around the same time. Please HELP! I need some advice by Thursday, I am having a interview for a great job. Thanks ahead. Natalia

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