A winter-time affliction

Xerosis. Asteatosis. Sounds scary, this "winter plague." What's another term for it? Dry skin. Dry, itchy, sometimes painful, sometimes scaly skin.

The cause is no secret -- in winter, the cold air outside and the heated air inside are low in humidity, so moisture exits out of the skin. Although it's commonly just an annoyance, the skin can crack, peel, develop scales or become inflamed.

In some instances a cortisone cream may be prescribed. In lesser cases, what can be done? For starters, a change in bathing habits may be in order. Take shorter baths, and use warm, not hot, water. Don't use harsh soaps. Bath oils and moisturizers may help if they're used regularly — thick, greasy moisturizers are best. A humidifier can also make some difference. And remember, those pleasant days of spring — and the humidity of summer — will be here before long.

February 2, 2002

If you have a medical mystery for the sleuths at Sound Medicine, email it to: soundmed@iu.edu. Or call us at 317-274-IU4U (317-274-4848).