Check Your Health- Help for Skin Conditions in a Dry Climate

With the cold and dry weather, Intermountain Health dermatologists say there are easy ways to avoid issues and keep your skin healthy during these conditions.

One of the first ways doctors recommend protecting skin is to keep it covered up when you go outside- especially in the wintertime. In such cases, wear long sleeves, hats, and gloves to protect your skin.

Keratosis Pilaris is a condition that is extremely common and becomes irritated due to dry weather. Small patches of tiny, rough, discolored bumps tend to develop on the skin. Often, these bumps don’t have any symptoms.

This condition can be treated with moisturizers and prescription creams to improve the appearance of the skin.

Experts say many of the winter skin issues that develop can also stem from how people bathe.

According to Bryce Desmond, MD, a dermatologist at Intermountain Alta View Hospital in Sandy, a major cause of dry weather skin issues is the water temperatures while bathing.

Although it may seem only natural to turn the water temperature up on colder days, experts say it dries out skin. The hot water can also inflame skin while stripping it of natural moisture and oils which help keep it healthy.

“There’s nothing more relaxing than a hot bath or shower this time of year, but it’s one of the biggest contributors to winter skin problems,” said Dr. Desmond. “Turning down the temperature and taking a shorter shower can make all the difference. Alternatively, lathering in thick body creams after a shower can also make a big difference.”

Dr. Desmond also sees a large uptick in the number of patients with dry cracked hands.

People are washing their hands more because we are still in cold and flu season and our hands tend to crack more. Constant use of soaps and hot water is what leads to cracked and bleeding skin.

There are several other choices we make that dermatologists say can lead to aggravating dry skin issues.

Here are some of the ways to avoid it:

• Choose the Right Soap: Avoid washing with harsh and abrasive soaps which can strip your skin of natural moisturizers. Choose a brand recommended for sensitive or dry skin and look for products that say they are moisturizing, which will help replenish the oils removed.
• Never Scrub Your Skin: Brushes and wash cloths can take off the layer of skin which is important for holding moisture.
• Pat Dry: Wiping off with a towel can take off skin so dermatologists suggest pat drying and leaving the skin a little damp.
• Use Creams or Ointments: Moisturizing a minute after a shower can help prevent dry skin, but doctors recommend creams or ointments instead of lotion because it has less oil and better protects skin.

Dermatologists point out that in many cases, people shower and wash too much which can also cause skin problems.

“In our society we tend to over cleanse and it can wash away a lot of the healthy stuff on your skin,” said Dr. Desmond “Unless your skin is soiled you really only need to use soap on your face, folds, and feet.”

Sunscreen is also an important step in protecting skin health. UV rays can still damage a person’s skin even on cloudy days.

Extreme redness or pain can sometimes indicate there is more than just dry skin or eczema at play. If skin problems persist or begin to worsen experts suggest making an appointment to see a dermatologist.

Visit to find a dermatologist near you.