We all experience dry, chapped skin from time to time. In fact, it’s such a common occurrence, many of us just ignore the condition unless it starts to bother us or unless it starts to look unsightly. But, is there a time when we need to pay extra attention to dry skin and seek medical help?
Symptoms
Usually, dry skin is thought of as being a seasonal and/or temporary symptom. Cold, windy conditions, as well as low-humidity conditions can exacerbate the problem. Although most signs of dry skin happens during the cold months, in fact, dry skin can happen at any time of the year and a good quality hand cream such as Beauchamp’s Hand Lotion can usually take care of the problem.
If you are over 40 years old, your skin’s ability to naturally maintain a healthy level of moisture is diminished. You can experience dry skin if you work a job that requires you to submerge your hands in water, for instance, hairstylists, medical professionals, those working with cement or soil. Spending time in a chlorinated pool can dry skin, as well.
No doubt, most of you have experienced symptoms, but as a recap, they include:
- Itchiness
- Rough looking skin
- Skin that feels tight
- Some scaling or peeling
- Flaking that can range from slight to severe
- Fine cracks or lines
- A lizard skin type of texture
- Discoloration, from reddish to white
- Bleeding through deeper cracks
When to See Your Doctor
The vast majority of dry skin can be alleviated by over-the-counter products such as Beauchamp’s Hand Lotion. This lotion comes in three sizes: a convenient easy to carry 4-ounce container, a medium sized 8-ounce bottle…all the way up to a large 16-ounce refill container.
But, when you have tried all you can on your own using over-the-counter moisturizing creams and lotions, your only other option may be to visit your dermatologist. If you are experiencing some of the following symptoms, then consider visiting a professional:
- As already mentioned, if the over-the-counter products no longer work…including our Beauchamp’s Hand Lotion
- If your skin has become very painful or inflamed
- For those of you fighting cancer, see a doctor if you develop dry, thick looking skin
- If you develop infections from scratching
- If you develop open sores
- While slight skin loss is a normal byproduct of mild dry skin, large areas of peeling skin is a reason to see a medical expert
- Have certain diseases or conditions, such as hypothyroidism, diabetes or malnutrition
- If you’re prone to eczema
Of course, a normal level of dry skin is nothing to see professional help over. You can easily care for you dry skin from home using over-the-counter remedies. Once of the best ways to alleviate dry, chapped skin is to rub in some Beauchamp’s Hand Lotion as a routine part of your skin care. We’ve been compounding and offering our hand lotion for over 70 years.