There are many reasons why skin can become itchy, and dry skin is a common culprit. Cold weather, low humidity, excessive bathing and use of strong soaps can all dry out your skin, leaving it itchy and uncomfortable. Of course, certain skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis (eczema) can also cause intense skin itch, as can simply getting older. That's because as we age, skin loses its capacity to produce and retain moisture.
If you suffer from dry, itchy skin, you know that the physical discomfort can be considerable. Scratching not only won't help... it can further irritate skin, which can lead to an even more intense itch. Cracks in the skin caused by scratching also allow bacteria to penetrate the skin, leaving you vulnerable to infection. Luckily, there are steps you can take to break this "Itch Scratch Cycle" and help get your skin back under control.
The best way to treat dry, itchy skin is to prevent it from happening at all. Avoid long baths and showers, which can dry out your skin. Keep water lukewarm since hot water can actually increase itch. Avoid harsh soaps, and instead use a gentle, soap-free cleanser such as Eucerin Gentle Hydrating Cleanser. After your bath or shower, while skin is still damp, apply a gentle, effective daily moisturizer to keep moisture in and irritants out. Eucerin Calming Creme contains soothing oatmeal and rich moisturizers to help stop dry skin itch before it starts. Keep the temperature inside your house (especially inside the bedroom) on the cool side, because overheating can cause swelling, making itchy dry skin even worse. Using a humidifier can also help.
When dry, itchy skin flares up, the key is to avoid scratching. Lukewarm oatmeal baths can help reduce itch and soothe the skin, as can ice packs. If you have atopic dermatitis, your physician may also prescribe medications to relieve itch. It's a good idea to keep a steroid-free itch-relief product handy for when flare-ups occur. For immediate relief of itch, Eucerin Calming Itch-Relief Treatment with cooling menthol.