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How do I Treat Dry Skin Patches?

Alex Paul
Alex Paul

Dry skin patches are a common problem that can occur on hands, feet and the face amongst other regions. Treating dry skin usually focuses on preventing any further drying that allows the skin to heal naturally. Some tips for dry skin treatment include using moisturizer after washing, washing in warm rather than hot water and exfoliating at least once a week. It’s also a good idea to avoid using certain soaps as these can be drying to the skin.

Moisturizing dry skin is probably the quickest and most effective way of treating it. For the best results you should apply the moisturizer after washing when the skin is still damp — but not wet — and you should start to see results within a few days. Dry skin patches can also be itchy as well as unsightly and moisturizer will help with that too. It can sometimes be a good idea to carry moisturizer with you so that if your skin starts to feel dry you can apply it immediately.

Shower gel products with moisturizing ingredients may help relieve dry skin.
Shower gel products with moisturizing ingredients may help relieve dry skin.

A common mistake is to wash with hot water on a daily basis. This can actually dry out the skin and cause dry patches. For this reason long, hot showers are not a good idea if you’re trying to treat dry patches. If you enjoy having a hot shower, then keeping the length to a minimum is a good way of reducing the amount of skin damage.

If you commonly use soaps to wash your face or other areas of skin where the dry patches occur then this may be a problem. Many soaps are drying on the skin and hence it’s usually better to use shower gel or specially made face wash that includes a moisturizer. Replacing soap with a more skin-friendly product is a simple way of reducing the chances of getting more dry skin patches.

Exfoliating and moisturizing may help treat dry skin.
Exfoliating and moisturizing may help treat dry skin.

Some other tips for treating dry skin patches include avoiding using tap water on sensitive areas of the skin, making sure that you stay hydrated and using a humidifier in the bedroom to keep moisture in the air. Although these are forms of dry skin prevention they can also be used to treat the problem if it has already occurred. Dry skin is often more common during the winter months due to the cold and hence you should be especially aware of prevention techniques during this season.

Discussion Comments

bear78

Glycerin is a good ingredient for dry facial skin patches. My skin has been doing a lot better since I switched to face soap and moisturizer with glycerin in it. It prevents skin from drying out.

burcinc

@alisha-- I live in the Midwest and have the same problem during winter months. The only thing that works for me is udder cream. It sounds odd but it's very good!

We had cows on our farm when I was growing up and we used udder cream regularly for them. My mom would also put it on her hands in cold weather to protect her skin from cracking. It's used for the same purpose on cows, to keep their udders soft and without cracks and rough patches.

Now they sell udder cream in pharmacies and stores in the lotion aisle for people to use.

discographer

I didn't know that hot water dries out skin, thanks for that information.

I live in Minnesota and I always get itchy, dry skin patches on my hands in winter because of the cold. I do take very hot showers so I'm going to change that from now on.

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    • Shower gel products with moisturizing ingredients may help relieve dry skin.
      By: Dessie
      Shower gel products with moisturizing ingredients may help relieve dry skin.
    • Exfoliating and moisturizing may help treat dry skin.
      By: Konstantin Kulikov
      Exfoliating and moisturizing may help treat dry skin.
    • Applying petroleum jelly to dry skin patches provides soothing relief.
      By: Graça Victoria
      Applying petroleum jelly to dry skin patches provides soothing relief.
    • Applying moisturizing lotion helps treat patches of dry skin.
      By: roblan
      Applying moisturizing lotion helps treat patches of dry skin.
    • Choosing the best dry skin lotion doesn't necessarily mean spending a lot of money on high-priced brands.
      By: maska82
      Choosing the best dry skin lotion doesn't necessarily mean spending a lot of money on high-priced brands.
    • Keeping moisture in the air with a humidifier can be a way to treat dry skin patches.
      By: StockPhotosArt
      Keeping moisture in the air with a humidifier can be a way to treat dry skin patches.
    • Some people with extremely dry skin may need a prescription lotion.
      By: Farina3000
      Some people with extremely dry skin may need a prescription lotion.
    • Manually washing dishes can cause dry skin patches on hands.
      By: kmiragaya
      Manually washing dishes can cause dry skin patches on hands.