What should you know about dry winter skin?

Skin loses some of its protective oils when the surrounding air is dry. This can leave the surface tight, rough, flaky or itchy, especially on the hands, face, lips and lower legs. Small cracks may develop when the skin is stretched or rubbed. Persistent scaling, redness or itch can also occur with conditions such as Asteatotic Eczema, Atopic Dermatitis or Psoriasis; dry skin alone cannot identify which condition is present.

Use lukewarm rather than hot water, keep showers brief, and choose a fragrance-free cleanser only where needed. Pat the skin dry and apply a thick cream or ointment while it is still slightly damp. Reapply after handwashing and whenever tightness returns; an Emollient Therapy plan can help when ordinary moisturising is not enough. Protect exposed skin from wind with soft layers and avoid scrubbing flakes away.

Arrange a medical assessment if cracks bleed, areas become painful, sleep is disturbed by itch, or the skin develops spreading redness, warmth, swelling, pus or crusting. Seek prompt care for a rapidly worsening rash, fever, facial swelling or breathing difficulty. A clinician can examine the pattern and check whether eczema, psoriasis, infection or another cause needs targeted treatment.

Ask whether the pattern fits simple Dry Skin or a named condition, which moisturiser texture suits the affected areas, and whether any medicated product is appropriate. Mention new soaps, cosmetics, medicines, workplace exposures, bleeding cracks and the times of day when itching is strongest.