Bathing and Skin Care
Knowing how to treat and prevent dry skin is important for the comfort of your care recipient. Dry skin can cause itching, often without a visible rash, as well as intensify symptoms of existing eczema. The goal in caring for dry, itchy skin is to replace lost moisture, especially during winter and in low-humidity environments.
Tips for caring for dry, itchy skin:
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Use gentle, soap-free cleansers. Soap can be harsh, washing away the skin’s natural oils. |
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Keep baths and showers short. Avoid hot water, which removes natural oils in the skin. |
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Apply moisturizer soon after bathing, while the skin is still moist. This helps trap water in the upper layers of the skin to decrease dryness and itching. |
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Avoid moisturizers with fragrances and dyes. |
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Moisturizers with colloidal oatmeal help lock in moisture and form a protective barrier. |
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Reapply moisturizer throughout the day as needed. |
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Keep the room temperature between 68° and 75° F. |
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Use a humidifier to maintain moisture levels at 40 to 50%. |
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When washing clothes and linens, use fragrance-free and dye-free detergents. |
Keeping the skin well moisturized should improve dry, itchy skin. If the skin worsens despite these measures, contact a dermatologist.
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This information was brought to you courtesy of Aveeno®.
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