This winter's cascade

of flakes could be coming from somewhere other than the sky. Take a look

at your arms and legs, for example.

The combination of short days,

endless nights, frigid temperatures and bone-dry air produces that nasty

skin condition commonly called winter itch - seasonally-induced dry

skin that can drive the inflicted wild with scratching. Even in warmer

regions of the United States, the climate changes enough from summer to

winter to wreak havoc with our most personal outer layer.

"You'll be hard-pressed

to find people with moist skin in the winter," stated Manhattan dermatologist

Dr. Lenora Felderman. If left untreated, dry skin can lead to more serious

skin conditions.

"The only way to compensate

for dry skin is to lessen the water loss," said Doylestown, Pa.,

dermatologist Dr. Mary Toporcer. "You physically have to prevent

moisture from leaving your skin."

Drs. Felderman and Toporcer

have these recommendations for managing and preventing winter itch:

- Keep your skin clean

and dry. One of the most common winter skin care mistakes Dr. Toporcer

sees - not bathing. "Some people think that dry skin comes from

loss of oil, so they don't wash," she said. It's important

to maintain proper hygiene, however, and that includes sloughing off those

dead layers of skin that could otherwise lead to scales.

- Don't over-bathe,

added Dr. Felderman. Replace baths with showers. Use gentle cleansers

- the milder the better. "Many of my patients think that they

should use a loofa to exfoliate dead skin cells, but that can be harsh

on the skin," Dr. Felderman said.

- Pat your skin with a

towel after you get out of the tub, rather than vigorously rubbing it.

- Use tepid, not hot,

water when bathing or showering.

Moisturizing regularly is essential,

both doctors counsel. Choose a lotion or cream containing lactic acid

- a naturally-occurring alpha hydroxy acid - such as the Amlactin

family of moisturizers from Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc. Alpha hydroxy

acid helps exfoliate dead skin cells. Lactic acid is a humectant that

enables skin to retain moisture. The combination of exfoliation and moisture

retention can result in healthy, glowing skin.

"Amlactin's 12 percent

lactic acid makes a world of difference," stated Dr. Felderman. "Most

people's skin respond terrifically with one or two applications a

day. In addition, Amlactin is cosmetically elegant - it smells good

and doesn't leave a tacky feeling on your skin."

For more information about

the Amlactin line of skin care products, call (800) 654-2299 or visit

www.upsher-smith.com.

As with any chronic health

condition, both dermatologists advise people with persistent skin problems

to consult a professional healthcare provider.

Back

to Healthwise Home Page |