Why is my skin dry?

Skin is the largest organ in the body and gives us protection against the outside world. Think of it as bricks and mortar. When our skin becomes dry through ageing, illness, dehydration, or skin conditions such as eczema we lose our natural moisturising factor, this is like losing the mortar between the bricks. Everything then shrinks and becomes so dry that cracks appear. When this happens to the skin the cracks become red, inflamed, sore and itchy. Very soon this becomes uncomfortable, rough, scaly skin which leads to a cycle of itch-sore-scratch. The cracks in the skin allow bacteria, allergens and irritants to enter, so the first line of defence is to keep the skin moisturised which is like replacing the mortar in the brick wall.

How do I soothe my skin and keep it healthy?

A wide range of emollients which are medical moisturisers are available to treat the skin. They are either a cream, ointment or bath oil. These products should replace the use of soap. They create a moisturising layer on the surface and replace some of the missing mortar. Water loss is reduced, the bricks swell and the gaps and cracks reduce.

There are various brands which can be bought from a supermarket, pharmacy or prescribed by your nurse or doctor. Simple and cheap preparations such as fifty per cent petroleum jelly and fifty per cent liquid paraffin are often as effective as other more expensive products. You may need to experiment to see which one suits you best. Here are some guidelines that may help you choose.

Types of emollients:

• Dry flaky skin is most effectively treated using a greasy preparation that is an ointment which contains a high proportion of oil.
• If skin is weeping or wet, a cream is more suitable. Creams mix better with fluid to reduce scaliness.
• Creams and ointments are very safe and can be applied as frequently as required, every hour if necessary, to prevent skin from feeling dry and becoming flaky.
• Also use a bath emollient. Air or pat dry, do not rub and then liberally apply the cream or ointment.
• Even when the skin starts to improve do not stop using your creams or ointments.
• You can warm or cool the creams or ointments for your comfort.
• Apply the cream or ointment in the direction of your hair growth to avoid blocking hair follicles.

Your skin is an important organ so remember it is vital to have a well-balanced diet and keep hydrated.
This keeps your skin healthy from the inside. Remember soap, bubble bath, shower gels, perfumed moisturisers, detergents and washing powders, over exposure to the sun, cold wind, traffic fumes, worry, stress and scratching can all trigger skin irritation.