Don’t Let Winter Make You Bitter

There are so many wonders of winter; who could dislike this season? We’ll tell you who – people whose dry skin becomes cracked and irritated in the bitter cold! Excessive dryness may cause the skin across the knuckles, or even the palms, to sustain tiny fissures. You may not see these cracks, but you definitely feel them. Washing your hands may send a burning sensation through your skin. Applying gloves may cause discomfort, and the chronic redness may make you feel self-conscious about your appearance.

There is help for dry hands! You just have to develop a few new habits. One of the practices that we tend to ramp up in the cold and flu season is hand-washing. In lieu of washing with a good antibacterial soap, many people keep hand-sanitizer nearby, and they use it frequently. Each of these practices may be beneficial in one way, but can also be detrimental to the health of your skin. Fortunately, you can overcome! Here’s how . . .

• Keep hand-washing to a minimum. When you do wash your hands, use lukewarm water and mild soap.
• If you must use hand-sanitizer, try to find a formulation without alcohol or harsh chemicals.
• Offset hand-washing by immediately applying a thick emollient moisturizer. Emollients seal water into the skin, so are especially good for use when the skin is moist, such as after hand-washing or after a shower.
• Apply an unscented, thick moisturizer at night before bed. Then, don a pair of cotton gloves! This little trick is exceptional for individuals with particularly dry skin, or with a chronic condition such as eczema or psoriasis.

Sometimes, dry skin can get away from you. If you are already struggling, give these new habits a try. If your skin irritation does not diminish within a week or two, schedule a consultation with your Teaneck, NJ dermatologist. The team at Advanced Laser & Skin Cancer Center is familiar with the full spectrum of skin conditions. We can help you manage your skin health now and throughout the year.

Call (201) 836-9696.