Dermatology

Dry Skin

Recommendations for dry skin

Bathing:

• Use lukewarm water - avoid hot or cold water.
• Do not vigorously scrub with a washcloth, sponge, or brush.
• Bar soaps: Unscented Dove, Cetaphil,Oilatum
• Liquid soaps: Cetaphil or Aquanil
• Reduce bathing time to 5-10 minutes, and apply a moisturizer afterwards
• Do not use bubblebath, or use a small amount and rinse well.
• After bathing, pat your skin with a towel to dry gently.

Moisturizing

• Lotions: Cetaphil, Eucerin, Nutraderm, Lubriderm, Moisturel
• Creams: Eucerin, Cetaphil
• Ointments: Aquaphor, Vaseline
• Prescription creams or ointments should be applied to affected areas of dermatitis only. Moisturizers are applied to the whole body. If applied at the same time as prescription ointments or creams, always apply the prescription medication first.

Other tips:

• Do not use colognes, perfumes, sprays, powders etc. on the affected person's skin.
• Use a small amount of unscented laundry products such as Cheer-Free, All, Dreft, Trend or Purex. Double rinse clothes if possible after washing.
• Do not wear tight or rough clothing. Wool clothes and new clothes can be irritating.
• For extreme dryness, a humidifier or vaporizer may help. Remember to keep it clean, or molds may spread throughout the humidified area.