Don’t Let Dry, Itchy Skin Ruin Your Autumn

Even in Florida, autumn tends to bring cooler temperatures and drier air. These subtle changes affect your body in various ways, causing itching and dryness.

Although summer’s humidity may feel uncomfortable, your skin actually prefers it. Conditions, such as eczema, may be triggered by cool, dry air.

Should you notice an increase in symptoms during the changing seasons, Joshua M. Berlin, MD, and our expert team offer topical treatments, medications, and nutritional counseling at Premier Dermatology Partners® in Boynton Beach, Florida, to help you cope.

How the weather affects your skin

As humidity decreases, so does your skin’s moisture. Indoor heating also produces dry, itchy skin. If you also suffer from eczema, psoriasis, or other inflammatory skin conditions, your skin is already vulnerable.

The changing seasons also influence pollen, mold, and other environmental allergens, which may lead to inflammation and flare-ups.

Normal skin is affected by weather changes, as well. Dr. Berlin offers the following suggestions to help keep your skin healthy this fall.

Tips to stop the itch

Here are some simple tips to help keep your skin happy this season.

Do

• Moisturize your skin with non-pore-clogging moisturizers containing lanolin or petrolatum.
• Choose oil-based moisturizers and emollients that last longer than water-based products.
• Exfoliate your skin gently each week to help moisturizers penetrate more effectively.
• Use unscented, hypoallergenic soaps and shampoos.
• Enjoy warm, not hot, oatmeal baths to soothe itchy skin.
• Wear softer, more breathable fabrics, such as cotton or silk.
• Use a humidifier at home.

Don’t

• Take long, hot showers
• Use soap and shampoos with harsh chemicals, such as sodium lauryl sulfate
• Apply alcohol-based hand sanitizers that cause drying
• Wear wool clothing that may irritate your skin

If you notice your dry skin becoming warm, red, scaly, or swollen, contact Dr. Berlin to check for infection.

Foods that support healthy skin

Dr. Berlin also recommends hydrating your body by drinking lots of water. Fruits and vegetables with a high water content also help, including:

• Cucumbers
• Tomato
•  Celery
•  Lettuce
•  Zucchini
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Broccoli
• Spinach
• Watermelon
• Strawberries
• Pineapple
• Oranges
• Grapefruit
• Peaches
• Berries
• Bell peppers

Traditional fall delicacies, such as pumpkin and apples, also contain plenty of water and nutrients. Dr. Berlin also suggests eating foods with moisturizing omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts, to keep skin hydrated.

Ease eczema and more this fall

While not considered an autoimmune disease, eczema, aka atopic dermatitis, may result from an immune response triggered by the environment, bacteria, and other issues.

Dr. Berlin uses a variety of treatments for your parched, itchy skin, whether caused by eczema or other conditions. These may include:

• Anti-itch creams
• Antihistamines
• Medication

The doctor may also utilize phototherapy to reduce symptoms. Employing different wavelengths, phototherapy lessens skin inflammation and itchiness. Red light especially helps curb eczema and dermatitis flare-ups.

Treat yourself to some tricks

Natural plant-based ingredients, such as aloe vera and menthol, cool your skin’s itchy, burning sensations. Opt for the purest products without added synthetic ingredients. Pat, don’t rub, skin dry after washing. And use petroleum jelly to smooth smaller dry spots.

If you suffer from dry, itchy skin due to eczema, psoriasis, or other conditions, or wish to discuss another dermatological concern, simply schedule a consultation with Dr. Berlin and our knowledgeable team today.