For people with seasonal or year-round itchy, dry skin, the winter months can be cruel. As winter settles in and you head inside for warmth, your skin is exposed to low indoor humidity created by forced-air heat. Dry air causes skin to become dry, as can excessive bathing with strong soaps and hot water. Whether you have a recurring or seasonal dry skin problem, there are steps you can take to keep your skin healthy year-round.
As we age, our skin produces less of the natural oils that help retain moisture. Without good care, the skin can become red, cracked and prone to irritation and infections. The lower legs, forearms, hands, and scalp are especially prone to dry skin as they are most exposed to seasonal weather.
Fort Sanders Sevier offers these simple steps to prevent or aid in alleviating dry skin and itching:
Humidify your home, particularly the bedroom.
Avoid strong detergents. Limit use of perfumes and perfumed products.
Use warm or cool water and a gentle soap (such as Basis, Dove, Oil of Olay) when you bathe. Use little or no soap on dry skin areas. Pat dry with a towel; don’t rub skin.
To seal in moisture, apply a moisturizer (Eucerin, Lubriderm, Keri Lotion or Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion) while the skin is damp. Petroleum jelly also is an effective and inexpensive moisturizer.
For very dry hands, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly and wear thin cotton gloves to bed. Similar treatment also may help dry feet. Severely dry skin may require several treatments.
Untreated dry skin can be a sign of other health problems. If your body itches all over and you do not have a rash or any obvious cause for itching, contact a health professional.

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