What is dry dermatitis, what should I do about it, and how can I treat it?

In order to adapt to the dry characteristics of autumn, our body must frequently "replenish fluids" to alleviate the damage caused by the dry climate to our body. Drinking more water has become a necessary means for us to deal with "autumn dryness". So what exactly is dry dermatitis?

1. Dry dermatitis is not just about "dryness" and needs to be treated differently

When it comes to xerotic dermatitis, many people take its name literally and think that this type of dermatitis is caused by the dry climate. However, Associate Chief Physician Yan Yuhong told us that xerotic dermatitis is sometimes not only caused by dryness, but also accompanied by allergic symptoms. Some patients simply suffer from dryness and itching. In this case, we will first recommend that they replenish water appropriately, such as applying lotion to relieve the symptoms. Another part of patients will have skin allergies due to seasonal changes, and simply replenishing water has no obvious effect. In this case, Chinese medicine will make targeted internal and external adjustments according to the patient's own situation to fully relieve and treat the patient's itching symptoms.

2. Shower gel aggravates skin dryness. Try to use it less in autumn and winter.

As soon as autumn comes, there are rumors online that "bathing can induce xerotic dermatitis" and "the more you bathe, the more itchy it becomes." So is there any connection between xerotic dermatitis and bathing? In this regard, Associate Chief Physician Yan Yuhong said that these statements are still based on facts.

First of all, the shower gel that is commonly used in bathing will aggravate the dryness of the skin. Most of the shower gels and soaps on the market are alkaline. Frequent use of shower gel will make your skin drier and aggravate the itching. If you want to reduce the damage of alkaline ingredients to the skin, you can use goat milk soap, breast milk soap, or essential oil soap instead of shower gel.

Secondly, as the weather turns cooler in autumn and winter, many people are accustomed to taking baths with hot water. Hotter bath water makes people feel more comfortable, but this comfort comes at the cost of "degreasing" the skin. Deputy Chief Physician Yan Yuhong emphasized that hot water can easily de-oil the skin, causing moisture loss in the skin, which in turn aggravates dryness and itching. It is recommended to take a bath with warm water and apply some lotion after bathing. The best moisturizing effect is to apply it right after bathing and before the bath water dries on your body.

3. Use Piyanping for itching? Beware of muscle atrophy

Piyanping is a common medicine in many households. It has become a habit to apply some Piyanping when there is minor pain or itching on the skin. But did you know that Piyanping is a strong hormone ointment and cannot be used for a long time?

Deputy Chief Physician Yan Yuhong reminds that 80% of skin problems like xerotic dermatitis can be solved by moisturizing. Once dermatitis pills (hormones) are used indiscriminately, serious side effects will occur, such as skin flushing, capillary dilation, epidermal atrophy and other serious skin diseases. Some adverse reactions are difficult to disappear for a lifetime.

4. How to prevent and treat dry dermatitis in autumn?

1. Exercise more. Sweating during exercise helps eliminate toxins from the body. Sweat not only adds moisture to the skin, but also improves the body's defense function. Good living habits, good sleep, and a good mood are all helpful in preventing dry dermatitis. In addition, soaking in hot springs can also help de-dry the skin.

2. Prevent burns. Dry dermatitis is more common in middle-aged and elderly people. The skin of the elderly is more fragile and easily injured. In addition, many elderly people like to take hot baths and soak their feet in hot water, but their senses may be a little dull, and they cannot feel very hot water. Moreover, it is difficult for the elderly to heal after being scalded. In particular, many elderly people with diabetes have problems with their peripheral nerves. In this case, it is even more important to prevent them from coming into contact with overly hot water or hot packs. It is recommended to maintain heat through proper exercise.

3. Drink delicious soup. Deputy Chief Physician Yan Yuhong recommended us 4 delicious soups for relieving autumn dryness: Dendrobium and Ophiopogon japonicus lean meat soup, Chinese and Southern Apricots stewed with lean meat, American ginseng stewed with chicken/ribs/lean meat, and Ganoderma lucidum meat pie soup.