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Does your skin itch or have you noticed a slight rash with dry skin? A simple skin regimen, practiced every day, can help keep your skin healthy and more youthful in appearance. If you suffer from eczema or dry skin, with the development of a proper skin care routine from your Baton Rouge dermatologist, you can be on your way to healthier skin. Dry skin is not a serious condition, but it can be uncomfortable and unsightly, turning plump cells into shriveled ones, and creating fine lines and wrinkles. A more serious type of dry skin is eczema, which is a general term for rash-like skin conditions. Eczema is very itchy and when you scratch it, your skin becomes red and inflamed. What is Eczema (Dermatitis)? Eczema, also referred to as dermatitis, is an itchy rash with inflamed skin. Symptoms of eczema can be categorized by the following: • The location of the rash. • The appearance of the rash • The underlying cause of the rash Dermatitis can either be short-term or long-term. Acute dermatitis usually appears as a red rash, which may be blistered or swollen. When the dermatitis becomes chronic, your skin may become thickened, rough, and darker than the surrounding skin due to prolonged scratching. What is Dry Skin? Dry skin, which is also referred to as xerosis, is often itchy and irritating. Dry skin results from the loss of oils in the skin, which serves as a natural moisturizer. This may occur with excessive bathing, low humidity, advancing age, or the use of drying soaps. The tendency for development of dry skin often runs in families and is usually a recurring problem, especially in the winter. When your skin is dry, it is important to regularly apply a moisturizer. Symptoms of dry skin include: • A feeling of skin tightness, especially after showering, bathing or swimming • Skin that appears shrunken or dehydrated • Skin that feels and looks rough rather than smooth • Itching that sometimes may be intense • Slight to severe flaking, scaling or peeling • Fine lines or cracks • Redness • Deep fissures that may bleed Proper Skin Care Remedies It is critical that basic skin care measures be maintained in order to keep dry skin and eczema under control. Your dermatologist can help you determine a proper skin care routine that will help heal your condition and continue to keep your skin looking and feeling healthy. Some basic steps may include: • Wash your skin twice a day with a gentle non-soap cleanser. • Use a moisturizer twice a day • Use a sunscreen every day • Choose makeup that is oil-free and non-comedogenic • Protect your lips with lip block or lipsticks with sunscreen • Avoid long hot showers or baths Keeping your skin care simple is important so that you are more likely to stick with it and not stray away from treatment. With eczema, it can't be cured, but it can be managed. In order to effectively manage your eczema, it is important to avoid the things that trigger breakouts. Limit your contact with external factors that can irritate your skin and wear gloves to protect the skin on your hands. Protecting your skin from various variables is important in the management of your eczema. If you suffer from dry skin or eczema, visit your Baton Rouge dermatologist today for further diagnosis and treatment. Your dermatologist will be able to set up an effective and appropriate regimen to manage or eliminate your ailments.
Sean Hartmen writes for Dr. Trent Massengale, a leading dermatologist at The Dermatology Clinic, offering Botox in Baton Rouge. The dermatologists at The Dermatology Clinic offer services in Botox, facial fillers, laser skin treatments and microdermabrasion in Baton Rouge.
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