Can you tell me the causes of dry and itchy skin?

Many people suffer from dry skin. Lower legs, elbows, forearms and buttocks are the normally affected parts of the body. It is a big problem to many as it can spoil the quality of one’s life. The irritants can attack very easily on dry skin as there is no protective layer of natural lipids. The result is itching. Scratching gives pleasure for few seconds, but the after effects, bloody scratches and infections, can give further problems. If your skin is very dry and itchy your sleep can be affected. Another reason for dry skin may be some diseases such as diabetes and kidney diseases. Many medicines make itching worse. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with your doctor to find out the reason for this dry and itchy skin. If untreated, dry skin may lead to dermatitis which is inflammation of the skin with swelling and infection. Fortunately most of the causes are external.

There are many causes for dry and itchy skin and they include:

• Dry air – It is the most common cause. Winter, indoor air whether with heating or with air conditioners can make dry skin. You have to use a moisturizer. Do not heat the rooms in winter too hot. It is advisable to use humidifier in the rooms. Water in an open vessel can help. If you go outside in winter close your skin very carefully with hats, scarves, gloves and long socks.

• Exposure to water – prolonged exposure to hot water can remove the natural fats that protect your skin. The morning or evening shower can be few minutes with cold or lukewarm water and it is better to skip the hot water. Gently pat and dry your body with a towel. Immediately apply the moisturizer. Avoid hot and long baths.

• Soap - it is the number 1 enemy if you have dry skin. It removes the skin protective layer very quickly. Average persons need soap for the face, hands, feet, underarms and groin. The other parts of the body do not need soap and water is enough to keep them hygiene. Of course, playing children or workers need a mild soap for the whole body. Washing the hands and faces often must be avoided. Buy fragrance free soaps always. Treat your skin gently so that the fats remain there. Sponges or brushes or napkins are not necessary to scrub your skin.

• Clothes that itch – avoid clothes that brings you itching or that makes your itching more. If the irritant comes from your clothing then it is a continuous exposure. To wash your clothes use detergents without perfumes or other additives. Never use a cloth that brings or increases itching.

• Medicines and drugs - Many medicines and drugs have itching as side effects. Read carefully about the side effects. If you get dry skin or itching after taking the medicine for the first time contact your doctor immediately. He may prescribe another medicine with equal effect.

• Diseases – Diabetes, kidney problems, thyroid problems, particularly hypothyroidism, psoriasis, eczema, neurodermitis and other skin diseases can cause dry skin and itching. Approach your doctor for treatment.

• Old age - Getting older can bring dry skin and especially more women suffer from this. The levels of estrogens and menopause play a role here. The majority of old people above 65 suffer from dry skin.

• Malnutrition – it can be a good reason. Consult with your doctor or dietician to have diet with all necessary nutrients to your body. Eating disorders can also cause dry skin.

• Hereditary – your genes may be the culprit for dry skin and this is irrespective of your age.

Consult with your doctor. It may be mostly only a problem of skin care that could be rectified easily. Other diseases must be well diagnosed and treated properly.

What are the causes for dry skin and what are the right foods?

There are many causes for dry skin. Millions of people suffer dry skin in the world. The causes include:

• Dry skin might be due to a genetic condition
• Due to dry cold weather in winter
• There can be no natural lubrication of the skin and this causes dehydration of the skin
• Environmental factors like exposure to sun, weather, chemicals including cosmetics or excessive use of soaps
• Skin disease like eczema, psoriasis etc. can cause dry skin
• Poor diet with vitamins deficiency can support to form dry skin
• Drugs can have dry skin as side effect
• Diabetes or under active thyroid can cause dry skin

Food and healthy lifestyle can help to have a better skin. A good diet includes vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and legumes. Protein from vegetables is good to skin and increase the intake of raw food. Sulphur containing foods like onion, garlic and asparagus can help to keep the skin smooth. Yellow and orange colour vegetables have many antioxidants. The beta-carotene from carrots is very valuable for skin.

Flax seed oil can be added to salads and other food which need not be cooked. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are necessary to produce Prostaglandins which supports skin health. Vegetables and fruits contain valuable vitamin A and C. Quark, natural plain yoghurt, yeast and wheat germ are rich in pantothenic acid – vitamin B5 which is important for skin health.

Drink 2 to 3 litres of fluids everyday and if you sweat more then drink more. Water keeps the skin well hydrated.

Fried foods, processed foods, animal fats and hydrogenated oils must be avoided. Avoid heating oil and use only cold pressed oils. Junk foods, chips, products with sugar, chocolates and soft drinks must be consumed rarely and it is better to avoid them.

Caffeine and alcohol can dehydrate the body and this is bad for skin health. Avoid all soft drinks which contain caffeine.

Do not take bath in hot water and the shower or bath must be short. Moisturize your skin immediately after your bath or shower.

Q&A Series 2: Woman, 33 years old – Problems: skin problems – itching and boils in the legs…

I have very little information from you. I have no idea about your food and fluids intake. I don’t know your height and weight. I don’t know what food supplements or medicines including oral contraceptives you are taking.

Itching and boils may also be the side effects of some medicines. It could have been better if you could have filled the Aaron Analysis Form which you could download from www.aaronverlag.com.

It is good that the blood values are normal. Are you sure that you are free from infections? It may be food allergy or dry skin. For food allergies there are laboratory methods to find out. Use the special soaps which contain no soap at all, for example the “No soap” soap. After you have taken a shower or bath you must apply your cream within 5 minutes to keep the moisture. This should be done in the morning and evening. You can apply the cream if you feel it is necessary at any time.

You can massage your legs with sesame oil. This can help to avoid the micro-organisms like bacteria to be there.

The problem with many women is they drink very little. You must drink 4 to 6 litres of fluids everyday and 70% of this must be pure drinking water.

Eat lot of leafy vegetables cooked or as salads. Vegetables keep your body alkaline so that little poisons are taken from the food and environment. Eat ripe and dark coloured fruits to get enough antioxidants.

Avoid stress always.

If there is no change after three weeks fill up the Aaron Analysis Form and send it to me once again. I need all the information and then only a complete analysis of your health is possible.