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When Is “Dry Skin” More Than Just Dry Skin?

When Is “Dry Skin” More Than Just Dry Skin?

This time of year, we are all affected by decreasing temperatures and falling humidity levels. Dry skin becomes very common in these conditions and can affect people of all ages. For most people, the use of moisturizing cream daily can help to treat dry skin.

In recent years, advances have been made in the development of moisturizers. Many of the newer moisturizers geared towards very dry, itchy skin include a substance called ceramide. Ceramide is a building block of the top layer of the skin that helps to prevent water loss from the skin. Clinical studies have demonstrated that individuals with very dry skin or skin that is prone to eczema have lower levels of ceramide production in their skin. Thus, these ceramide-containing moisturizers can be very helpful in treating dry or dry and itchy skin. Some of the best ceramide-rich moisturizers that I recommend include CeraVe cream, Cetaphil Restoraderm cream, and Aveeno Eczema cream.

However, sometimes moisturizers alone are not enough to treat severely dry, itchy skin. Skin can sometimes become so dry that it begins to itch, a condition we call the “winter itch” or asteatotic eczema. This generally appears as dry skin that becomes red, itchy, and flaky. Mild forms of “winter itch” can be treated at home with moisturizers or even by adding a little over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone cream to the moisturizer and applying to the affected areas. More severe forms of eczema often require treatment with prescription-strength anti-inflammatory medications.

At Advanced Dermatology Specialists, we can take care of all of your family’s skincare needs including eczema. We have offices in Danbury, Ridgefield, and Norwalk in Fairfield County, Connecticut.

– Dr. Rebecca Hall


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Multi-Specialty Private Practice with six locations in Fairfield County, CT