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- $Unique_ID{BRK01948}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{Solutions for Dry, Flaky Skin}
- $Subject{solution Solutions hint hints tip tips Dry dried Flaky Skin whitish
- powder dandruff cell cells scale scales moisture moisturize moisturizer flakes
- bath bathing moisturizers soap soaps detergent Drying cream creams lotion
- lotions shower showers hydrate hydration humidifier humidifiers itch itching
- itches}
- $Volume{}
- $Log{}
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- Copyright (c) 1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
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- Solutions for Dry, Flaky Skin
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- QUESTION: I consider myself to be a very clean man, sometimes bathing twice a
- day. I also wear support full length socks, and I have noticed that each time
- I remove them, the insides are covered with a whitish, powder like substance
- that reminds me of dandruff. No matter how much I scrub, I can't seem to rid
- myself of this unsightly problem. Have you ever encountered a problem like
- mine and do you have any ideas on a solution?
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-
- ANSWER: It is a common enough problem, and has nothing to do with cleanliness
- though your frequent bathing may be aggravating the problem just a bit. You
- are suffering from "dry skin" and those powder like material on the insides of
- your socks are cell scales from the surface of your skin. Actually your
- frequent bathing may be taking moisture out of your skin, and scrubbing can be
- increasing the amount of flakes that are being produced. Regular bathing is a
- fine hygienic measure, but once a day may be enough. Certainly you will want
- to consider using a mild, unscented soap that contains moisturizers, rather
- than a detergent soap which is harsher. Drying should be accomplished by
- patting the surface of your skin gently with a towel rather than rubbing
- briskly.
- Skin moisturizing creams and lotions come in many forms and can really
- turn the situation around for you. While water based lotions are best
- cosmetically, a severe case, especially on the legs as in your case, may
- profit more from a greasier cream with a high oil content.
- The secret is to apply the cream immediately after your shower, when the
- hydration of your skin is at the maximum. The cream will help to replenish
- the skin's natural oily cover that helps keep the moisture in, and that your
- soap may have removed during your bathing.
- Problem dry skin may be helped by two other measures. One is to keep the
- moisture content in the air of your home at high levels by using air
- humidifiers. Then keep your own inner water content high, by drinking plenty
- of liquids each day. Plain water is just fine. Most people don't drink
- enough to meet with the biological needs of their body and its skin envelope,
- so adding an additional glass or two to your present intake will probably
- provide you with more than just one health benefit.
-
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-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
-