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FeedWinter Skin Woes?
Tobey Crow, DO Family Medicine Physician
Oklahoma winters are notorious for being cold, dry and windy. These harsh weather conditions often create a surge of patients coming in with complaints about dry, itchy and even painful skin this time of year.
For most people, dry skin can be prevented by following a few simple steps.
Although it can be tempting on a cold night, long hot showers and baths actually remove natural oils and waxes. These natural lubricants protect your skin by reducing water evaporation. So, when showering or bathing, use warm water instead of hot water and only stay in as long as necessary to bathe. Soap can also strip your skin of nourishing oils, so use soap sparingly and be careful to thoroughly rinse your skin.
After showering, gently dry off and apply lotion to your skin, paying special attention to areas exposed to the elements, such as your face and hands.
It is also important to stay hydrated. Many people do not drink as much water during the winter months, but staying hydrated is an important part of keeping your skin healthy.
If your dry and itchy skin is not improving or worsens to the point where you’ve broken out in a rash, it’s time to make an appointment with your physician.
Eczema and psoriasis are chronic skin conditions that are quite common. Both conditions begin as rough, dry and itchy patches and develop into painful rashes. Psoriasis is usually detected on the back of the elbows and front of the knees, while eczema is more likely to be found on the inside of the arms, ankles and the back of the knees. Both frequently appear on the scalp.
If you suspect you may have either condition, set an appointment with your Primary Care Physician or Dermatologist. Your physician can usually identify a chronic skin condition during an office visit and can immediately begin treatment. Treatments range from over-the-counter lotions to prescription medicines and, for more severe cases, laser treatment. Your physician will work with you to identify the most effective treatment for your condition.
Some cases of eczema and psoriasis are linked to allergies and asthma, so it is important to share your medical history with your physician even if you are just there because of skin irritations.
Regardless of the cause of dry skin, if you do find yourself battling it this year, remember to resist the urge to scratch. By scratching, you increase the odds of scarring and even developing an infection.
Dr. Tobey Crow is a family medicine physician at Utica Park Clinic in Claremore. To make an appointment with Dr. Crow, please call 918-342-3633.
Utica Park Clinic is one of the region’s largest and most trusted physician groups. With more than 200 providers who practice at over 35 locations throughout northeastern Oklahoma, there is a location convenient to you! To learn more about the providers, specialists and clinic locations, please visit www.UticaParkClinic.com.
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