Dry skin, common winter skin problem

In winter our skin becomes dry, as it loses moisture, due to decrease in the environmental humidity. How dry the skin becomes varies from person to person. Dry skin is scaly and itchy, which gives an unpleasant look and is uncomfortable. The problem is more pronounced in elderly persons. In some, continued scratching may provoke a skin problem known as eczema.

Taking care of dry skin

· Apply regularly a moisturizer, such as petroleum lotion or

coconut oil, twice weekly on whole body, and petroleum jelly or glycerine on hands and feet every day. The moisturizer should be applied on moist skin. For this apply it after bath, or wet the skin with luke warm water, wipe with a dry cloth and then apply the moisturizer.

· Use less soap, once/twice weekly on the body, but wash with water as required. A soap containing petroleum jelly is better. Wash hands as per COVID-19 guidelines, and apply petroleum jelly twice daily.