Keep Your Skin Healthy This Winter
We’re bracing ourselves for the winter months. With incoming dry and low air temperatures, they can suck the moisture out of skin cells, causing dry, itchy skin. To protect against seasonally dry, flaky skin here are a few suggestions from professional skincare experts with the Bingham Healthcare Dermatology, with offices in Blackfoot, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Malad, and Soda Springs.
Clean it
To remove any bad bacteria, always wash your hands before washing your face. Then, use a mild soap that has no perfumes, antibacterial agents or other irritating chemicals. It’s also important to shower after exercise that causes you to sweat considerably. Try to rinse with warm water instead of hot, and use soap only on the areas that really need it.
Lock in Moisture
The best products are ointments and creams because they contain more moisture-locking oil than lotions do. Apply moisturizer right after washing your skin; when it is still damp it will absorb moisture best.
If your child has a rash that isn’t cured by a bit of lotion, it might be eczema. The term “eczema” encompasses several conditions characterized by dry, inflamed skin that can lead to itchy patches and rashes.
Curb Itching
If you can’t stop itching dry skin, gently apply a cold compress to help reduce inflammation and the urge to rub or scratch. If your itchy, dry skin gets worse or a rash develops, please call your family doctor or your dermatologist, as this could be a sign of something else.
If your child has a rash that isn’t cured by a bit of lotion, it might be eczema. The term eczema encompasses several conditions characterized by dry, inflamed skin that can lead to itchy patches and rashes. Take your child to a dermatologist if he or she has intense itching; patches of dryness and roughness; swelling; lesions that ooze, crust or scale; or skin discoloration.
Do the following to prevent flare-ups during the cold weather:
- Moisturize often. Use a mild, fragrance-free soap such as CeraVe or Cetaphil that doesn’t strip the skin of moisture. Apply moisturizing cream after every wash. Pat skin with a towel (don’t rub), and apply lotion while skin is damp to lock in moisture.
- Keep it cool. Excessive heat from a hot bath or sweating can cause a rash to flare. Take short, lukewarm baths or showers.
- Curb itching. Gently apply a cold compress to help reduce inflammation and the urge to rub or scratch.
It’s important to take your child to a dermatologist if he or she has intense itching; patches of dryness and roughness; swelling; lesions that ooze, crust or scale; or skin discoloration
YOUR TRUSTED SKIN CARE RESOURCES IN EAST IDAHO
If are experiencing any difficulties with your skin, or would like to schedule an appointment for a skin cancer screening, please reach out to one of our skincare specialists.
As an experienced dermatologist and skin cancer specialist, Dr. Wray of the Bingham Healthcare Dermatology has extensive training in pigmented and non-pigmented skin lesions, skin surgery, mole and wart removal, and skin cancer screenings. He enjoys spending time educating his patients about skin conditions and taking care of their needs by performing same-day biopsies, phototherapy, labs, and cosmetic procedures that enhance the skins look and feel.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Wray, please call (208) 535-3637 in Idaho Falls, (208) 233-4455 in Pocatello, or (208) 782-2930 in Blackfoot.
Julia, a skincare specialist, has the knowledge and skills required to help you with all your skincare needs. Julia sees patients on the first floor of the Bingham Memorial Medical Plaza in Blackfoot, and at the Physicians and Surgeons Clinic of Pocatello. To schedule a consultation, call her Blackfoot office at (208) 782-2930 or the Pocatello office at (208) 233-4455.
David’s current special interests are in medical dermatology—seeing patients for various medical skin diseases such as skin cancer, rashes, acne, spot checks, and full body skin checks. He has experience in minor outpatient procedures such as skin biopsies, skin cancer excisions, cryotherapy, and cyst/lipoma excisions.
To schedule a consultation with David, please call (208) 782-2930 in Blackfoot, (208) 535-3637 in Idaho Falls, or (208) 233-4455 for Pocatello, Malad, and Soda Springs.
Our content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
