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10 Solutions for Dry and Itchy Skin in the Winter

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Itchy skin can be a symptom of an allergic reaction to products used every day like nail polish, fragrances, shampoos, latex, laundry detergent, food, or cosmetics. Things containing nickel like cell phones, jewelry, eyeglass frames, zippers, and belt buckles can also cause an allergic reaction. Chickenpox, hives, poison ivy, sunburn, insect bites, medicines, eczema, psoriasis, or seasonal dry skin, and aging can also cause itchy skin, among other things.

 

“If my mother noticed an allergic reaction, rash, or if I complained of itchiness, the first thing she always would ask was, “Have you changed laundry detergent or are you using a different soap?” says Elizabeth Mullans, M.D. board-certified dermatologist and founder of Uptown Dermatology. “She was on the right track, as it’s important to find out what’s causing your allergy so you can stop touching (or using) what’s causing the itchy skin, and you may need to consult a dermatologist or an allergist.”

 

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To help soothe itchy skin, try the following tips:

  • Moisturize your skin with “unscented” cream free of additives, fragrances and perfumes.
  • Add a cup of oatmeal to your lukewarm bath water and soak for 10 minutes to soothe the itchy skin.
  • Topical anesthetics that contain pramoxine can help.
  • Menthol or calamine acts like cooling agents. Alternatively, store your moisturizer in the refrigerator to achieve a cooling effect.
  • Use “Fragrance-free” lotions, soaps and detergents.
  • Wear cotton loose-fitting clothes. Wool and other rough-feeling fabrics can irritate your skin, causing itching.
  • Avoid extreme temperature changes. Maintain a relatively cool, neutral humidity environment in your house. Use a humidifier during winter if you are prone to dry skin and eczema.
  • Use a hypoallergenic, fragrance free, dye free laundry detergent, like ARM & HAMMER™ Sensitive Skin Free & Clear. It is detergent specifically formulated for sensitive skin and dermatologist tested, to help you avoid irritation or worry of itchiness altogether.
  • Reduce stress, as stress can make your itch worse.

 

Learn more tips for sensitive skin and the best Arm & Hammer laundry detergents for sensitive skin from Arm & Hammer articles.

 

This article was originally posted by AP News as paid content from Business Wire on January 2, 2020.

 

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