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20 years
My skin all over my body is very very dry. I've been drinking a lot of water and applying hydration cream. Can I do anything else?
Nov 14, 2015

Dr. Zakia Dimassi Pediatrics
Diffuse dry skin can be one of the signs of atopy, which is a tendency to have respiratory allergies and dry skin that can sometimes develop eczema. You need to make sure that the hydration cream you are using is fragrance-free and is especially made for atopic skin (you need to get such cream or lotion from the pharmacy, and not the commercially available kinds in the supermarkets). Also avoid direct exposure to extreme temperatures, including wind and water, as these exacerbate the dryness. So when you shower for example, avoiding very hot water and make sure you apply the cream all over your skin while it's still damp. Dry your skin by lightly patting it with the towel - do you rub it. Avoid using loofahs and scrubbing your skin harshly - opt for gentle body sponges. Opt for mild showering creams/gels and avoid those with anti-bacterial formulas because these contain the anti-bacterial substances that are usually irritating to the skin, especially dry skin, and make the condition worse. Try using hypoallergenic washing detergents as the regular ones may irritate your skin particularly if they are not fully washed away from your clothes. Always wear gloves when using any detergents, and also make sure you always thoroughly dry your hands each time after you wash them - inadequate drying increases the dryness.
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