QUESTION: I have a terrible problem with an itchy skin.
There are times I can't stop scratching.
It is worse at night, although I do get a bit of relief after a warm bath.
When I look at my skin there is no rash, but it just seems drier than at any previous time in my life.
I can't complain though.
This set of skin has lasted me for 82 years, I just don't want it to give out before the rest of my body quits.
What can I do to preserve it?
ANSWER: It looks like you have been doing a pretty good job with all your body parts, and it might be that your largest organ, the skin, needs a bit of special help now.
You give a perfect description of the dry skin that can affect so many of our older youngsters, and providing you have no other signs of skin problems or allergies, we can proceed with some simple tips to help get things right.
In order to stay springy and flexible, our skin needs a certain amount of moisture that must be retained in the tissue.
Since older skin has lost some of the waxes that help conserve the moisture, dry skin can occur more easily.
And if you live in an overheated environment, where the humidity in the air is low, or use a lot of soap a bit too frequently, you can be making the condition just a bit worse.
The trick is to keep the moisture in the skin after it has been well hydrated, in one of your warm baths for example.
Spreading an emollient cream or lotion that softens and smooths immediately after a tub or shower can help hold the moisture in.
There are several such preparations available at your local pharmacist that have a water base and are easy to apply.
Another means of reducing the problem is to reduce the use of harsh and drying soaps, carefully washing the hands and face, under the arms and other important areas, and leaving the rest of the body with a less attentive cleansing.
Use a soap that is high in softening agents, and free of perfumes.
Don't use a wash cloth as it can irritate the skin, and try a patting movement with the towel rather than a brisk rubbing. While each of these tips may help only a bit, using all of them in a routine manner can sometimes totally subdue the problem.
And they are all easy to do and cheap too!
The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician.
Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.
