•  Itchy skin. The skin can be red from scratching it.

•  Chapped skin

•  Skin that cracks, peels, and/or flakes

•  Aging

•  Cold winter weather

•  Dry air or heat

•  Harsh skin products

•  Washing the skin often

•  Some medications

•  Allergies

•  An underactive thyroid gland; diabetes; and/or kidney disease

•  Other skin conditions, such as psoriasis

•  Drink 8 or more glasses of water a day.

•  Moisturize your skin daily. Use an oil-based lotion.

•  Don’t overexpose your skin to water, such as with washing dishes. Wear rubber gloves when you wash dishes.

•  Take a shower instead of a bath. Use warm (not hot) water. Apply a moisturizing cream while your skin is damp. Use products with lanolin.

•  If you prefer to bathe, bathe for only 15 to 20 minutes in lukewarm water. Pat yourself dry. Do not rub. Use a bath oil on your skin after bathing.

•  Try sponge baths.

•  Use a washcloth instead of soaping the skin directly.

•  Use a mild liquid soap, like Cetaphil Lotion, or a fatted soap. Avoid deodorant, medicated, or alkaline soaps.

•  Don’t use moisturizers with fragrances, preservatives, or alcohol.

•  Use a night cream for the face.

•  Stay out of the strong sun.

•  Do not use tanning salons.

•  Use a sunblock with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.

•  If you get symptoms of dry skin:

•  You have any of these problems with dry skin:

•  You have signs of an infection (fever; increased redness, swelling, pain, or tenderness; pus; blisters; red streaks from the affected area).

•  You have diabetes and the dry skin is troublesome.

•  You have symptoms of low thyroid.

•  You have dry skin without a rash and you itch all over.

•  Severe itching keeps you from sleeping.

•  Self-care brings no relief.