Dry, Itchy Skin Remedies

Dry skin is most common in your lower legs, arms, flanks (sides of the abdomen), and thighs. Dry skin, eczema, and hives can cause itching all over your body. Contact dermatitis is another cause of all-over itching. Dry skin is common. It happens more often in the winter when cold air outside and heated air inside cause low humidity. Forced-air furnaces make skin even drier. The skin loses moisture and may crack and peel, or become irritated and inflamed. Bathing too frequently, especially with harsh soaps, may contribute to dry skin. Eczema may cause dry skin. The dry areas may result in dermatitis, i.e. the skin becomes red and itchy. This may result in a crazy-paving appearance on the lower legs (‘eczema craquelé’), or round patches scattered over the trunk and limbs. Sometimes the dry skin is just itchy, without much of a rash. Severe itching or pain, especially in older adults, sometimes is caused by a serious medical problem. A moisturizer might be all you need to relieve itching. If you use a steroid cream to treat itching, you should not use the medicine for longer than 1 to 2 weeks. People have been known to complain that their skin is drier than before they started using conventional moisturizers for that very reason.

Dry skin is an itchy dilemma and an embarrassing problem for millions of people. Dry skin is bad enough but when it develops into eczema it can become a torture difficult to bear. The outer layer of skin is designed to protect the delicate cells of the deeper layers. This outer layer needs to stay moisturized to protect these deeper layers. Dry skin and winter itch share a lot of symptoms with eczema and dermatitis, and some of the remedies for those problems can bring relief. Honey, a dry skin natural remedy, is a substance that is healing to the skin. When applied to the skin it is healing and moisturizing. It helps dead skin cells move from the surface and stimulates renewal and regrowth of skin tissues. Cold-pressed olive oil works as an emollient, which means it soothes and softens. It helps the itching of eczema, which is a itchy skin condition characterized by oozing lesions. Eczema is sometimes associated with dry skin but not always. Cosmetics should be used carefully because they may dry out the skin or cause allergic reactions like contact dermatitis; read the labels. Apply moisturizers just after a bath or shower, when your skin is still damp.

Olive oil can also be used on the scalp as a remedy for extremely dry skin and hair. Avoid products containing drying agents like alcohol, clay and glycerin in your dry skin care. Certain herb teas work as an internal remedy for dry skin. Use one teaspoon of the dried herb to one cup of boiling water. Remove from heat and let steep for 5 minute. Some herbs that are beneficial as an internal remedy for dry skin problems are marshmallow, dandelion, peppermint, calendula, borage, and chamomile. Soap and body wash are drying to the skin. Good nutrition from living foods - foods that are alive - will help your skin from the inside out. Eating fruits that are red or orange in color will help improve your skin health and help to prevent acne. Dry skin contributes to fine lines and wrinkles; coconut oil helps prevent the onset by keeping the skin soft and supple. Coconut oil is very inexpensive - a great, cheap home remedy for all skin conditions. Coconut oil is the best healing, soothing, and moisturizing treatment I've found for dry skin; in fact all types of skin conditions, skin eruptions, pimples, acne, milia, irritations, cuts, burns, fungus, etc.

Dry Itchy Skin Natural Remedies Tips

1. Don't overdo skin cleansing.

2. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and always use sunblock for dry skin care.

3. Drink plenty of water or herbal tea to hydrate body tissues and guard against dry skin.

4. Moisturize daily. Cream moisturizers are best for normal to dry skin. A moisturizer without perfume or lanolin is best for sensitive skin.

5. Protect yourself from the wind by covering your face and using a natural oil based lip balm.

6. Try to avoid extreme cold, which can cause frostbite or skin disorders in some people.

7. Protect your skin from the sun. Winter sun can be as dangerous as summer sun.

8. A natural dry skin remedy is to include vegetable oils in your diet e.g. olive, avocado, or canola.

9. Eat leafy greens, broccoli, squash, apricots, cantaloupe and other foods rich in vitamin A as another natural dry skin remedy.

10. Facial exercises can also assist with a dry skin treatment.

11. Olive oil can also be used on the scalp as a remedy for extremely dry skin and hair.

12. Avoid products containing drying agents like alcohol, clay and glycerin in your dry skin care.

13. Use one teaspoon of the dried herb to one cup of boiling water. Remove from heat and let steep for 5 minute.

14. Coconut oil is very inexpensive - a great, cheap home remedy for all skin conditions.

15. Soothing baths can also help with itchy skin.

Juliet Cohen writes articles on diseases and conditions and women health care.

Article Source: http://www.positivearticles.com. PositiveArticles.Com does not vouch for or necessarily endorse the contents of this article.

If you are copying this article for publishing on a website or ezine, please use the "Ezine Ready" button from the righthand menu.