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What to do when it's more than dry skin...
You expect to work a little harder to stay soft and smooth in winter, but what if your usual strategies aren't cutting it? Here's the 411 on five common conditions, plus soothing solutions.
If you have... FLAKES:
If you have... THICK, SILVERY, SOMETIMES ITCHY SCALES:
If you have... SEVERLY CHAPPED, CRACKED HANDS:
If you have... SUPER-DRY, PEELING LIPS:
If you have... A SMALL, DRY, ROUGH PATCH OF SKIN:
Article Found in: SHAPE Magazine, January Issue
It could be Actinic Keratosis (AK), a pre-cancerous growth, is usually caused by years of sun exposure. But because of tanning beds and increased sun worshipping, they're being spotted women in their 20's. Get yourself to a dermatologist, who will most likely remove it. Left untreated, about 5 percent of AK's will turn into squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common type of skin cancer. It could be an allergic lip rash. If both the top and bottom lips are chapped, most likely an allergy. The usual culprits: lemon, cinnamon, or mint in foods, drinks (including tea), mouthwash, toothpaste, and balms. Try to switch up your oral-care and lip products to try and isolate the offending element, and use unscented lip balms, which are less likely to contain potential allergies. Head to the natural aisle for a mint-free toothpaste in a flavor like fennel or strawberry. It could be an irritant or allergic contace dermatitis (aka hand eczema or occupational hand dermatitis). In addition to cold weather, it's caused by overexposure to soap (especially dish soap) and hand sanitisers. Try washing hands with a glycerine-based soap. While they're still damp, apply a thick hydrating cream. Wear gloves when doing dishes, and before bed, slather on petrolium jelly and put on cotton gloves. If skin is blistere, a prescription cream to prevent infection may be in order.It could be Psoriasis of the scalp, back of your head, ears, knees, and elbows. Psoriasis is a common, recurring condition that happens when skin cells turn over too quickly, making them clump together, It's often genetic and may be caused by an overactive immune system. Flare-ups are typical in the winter due to reduced sunlight and increased dryness. Try to alternate between a shampoo with salicylic acid and one with coal tar to diminish scales. For your body, use a cream with alpha hydroxy acids to exfoliate and hydrate. If these treatments don'd bring refief, see a drematologist or your doctor for a prescription cream, oral med, or UV therapy.It could be Seborrheic dermatitis (aka dandruff) The exact cause is unknown, but it may be associated with a yeast or fungus. Try a gentle cleanser with pyrithione zinc and spot-treat with topical cortisone cream. Dandruff shampoo should get the flakes on your scalp in check. No imporvement in a few weeks? You may need to visit your doctor for a prescription of cortisone cream or antifungal.
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