During the winter months, dry skin can worsen and start to feel itchy. This occurs due to the low amount of humidity in the air. Extremely dry and itchy skin can occur in anybody and can increase a person's chances of developing a skin infection. If your skin starts to feel inflamed and you notice any pus, speak to your doctor. You may need a prescription for an antibiotic to treat the condition.
Bathing
Changing the way that you bathe can help treat extremely dry and itchy skin. Take a short shower in lukewarm water. Long and hot showers can dry out the skin by stripping the body of its natural oils. To clear up dry and itchy skin, choose a mild soap that does not irritate the area. Mild cleansers are available through many different companies.
Moisturizers
You need to moisturize your skin on a regular basis. Within a couple of minutes of bathing, apply a moisturizer to your entire body to lock in the water that has remained on the surface of your skin. Repeat application of the moisturizer three times daily. You can use a cream moisturizer to treat the dry skin.
Hydrocortisone Cream
A doctor may recommend that you treat any itchy patches of skin with hydrocortisone cream. You can purchase the ointment over the counter and apply a thin layer to the extremely dry and itchy skin patches. Limit application to no more than two times a day. To prevent skin irritation, do not use the hydrocortisone cream for longer than a 2 week period.
Considerations
You may need to adjust the humidity in your home. A humidifier can be installed on your heating and cooling system, or you can purchase a stand alone version to place in your bedroom.
Prevention/Solution
If your hands or feet have dry and itchy skin, you can place a generous amount of petroleum jelly on the area prior to bed. Cover the affected skin with gloves or socks after application.
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