Your Skin

It’s Been a Long, Dry Winter – Here’s Help

Many older people suffer from dry spots on their skin, often on their lower legs, elbows and lower arms.  Dry-skin patches feel rough and scaly.  There are many possible reasons for dry skin, such as:

• Not drinking enough liquids
• Spending too much time in the sun or sun tanning
• Being in very dry air
• Smoking
• Feeling stressed
• Losing sweat and oil glands, which is common with age

Dry skin also can be caused by health problems, such as diabetes or kidney disease.  Using too much soap, antiperspirant or perfume, and taking hot baths, can make dry skin worse.  Some medicines can make skin itchy.  Because older people have thinner skin, scratching can cause bleeding that may lead to infection.  Talk to your doctor if your skin is very dry and itchy.  Here are some ways to help dry, itchy skin:

• Use moisturizers, like lotions, creams or ointments, every day.
• Take fewer baths and use milder soap. Warm water is less drying than hot water.  Don’t add bath oil to your water.  It can make the tub too slippery.
• Try using a humidifier.

–Source:  National Institute on Aging