Eczema and skin specialist Dr Carla Stanton warns, "the more we itch, the more we scratch, which can make us more susceptible to secondary skin infections". So why does dry skin itch?
Causes of itching
Dry skin is unhappy skin. The itch is simply a way of your skin and body telling you that something is amiss. It's irritated. And now, you are too! The usual cause for itching due to dry skin is that its natural oils dry up or aren't doing their job properly. When skin isn't properly moisturised it will get irritated and start to itch. If the itching is more serious, consult a doctor or pharmacist as it could be an allergic rash or atopic dermatitis, rather than the more common dry skin.
Ways to stop the itching
To stop the itching you need to remedy the dryness. The usual causes are abrasive products coming into contact with the skin, whether it's astringent soaps, detergents or even chlorine in the pool. It's also due to a lack of humidity in the air, often associated with over-heating or air-conditioning so check the humidity in your environment. Finally, another avenue to explore is the simple dehydration we often encounter when not drinking enough water!
How can I tell I have dry skin?
Dry skin usually manifests itself in the colder, drier climates and months when your skin is 'thirstier'. Patchy, rough and flaky, skin is clearly dehydrated and can even become cracked. Watch around the legs area, arms, and midriff for signs of dry skin are these are the zones most likely affected.
Soothing the itch
Try soothing that itchy skin by applying moisturising products from the La Roche Posay Lipikar range. Formulated for dry skin, you’ll find oils for the shower as well as body lotions that renew and soothe skin in need of moisturising. For moderately dry skin, use Lipikar Lait to nourish and restore the skin’s natural barrier, while Lipikar Baume AP+ is the solution for very dry, atopy-prone skin, suitable to use if you suffer from eczema.
