Wednesday, November 26, 2003

Don’t let winter itch take over

By ALLEN DOUMA, M.D.
Tribune Media Services

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.