Hints & Tips

Dry Skin Defence Checklist

Moisturise every day.

Wear cotton or other soft fabrics. Avoid rough, scratchy fibres and tight        clothing.

Take lukewarm baths and showers, using a non-soap cleanser.

 Gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel - do not rub.

Apply a moisturiser within 3 minutes after bathing to ‘lock in’ moisture.

Air mattresses as often as possible.

Use a mattress protector to cover mattresses and wash it regularly.

Use a wet duster or damp mop to remove dust regularly.

Place soft toys in plastic bags in a freezer overnight to kill dust mites.

When possible, avoid extremes of temperature/ humidity and activities that       make you sweat.

Learn your triggers and avoid them.

Keep your fingernails short to help limit damage from scratching.

Limit contact with pets such as cats and dogs and wash hands after each      contact.

Tips for the management of dry skin

Application Techniques

· Apply generous amounts of emollient cream to the affected areas frequently    and in the direction of hair growth.

· Avoid any kind of rubbing action when applying emollient cream and be as     quick and gentle as possible.

Avoidance of common aggravating factors within the home

· Avoid, where possible, any contact with known allergens and irritants.

· Wear protective gloves when cleaning or washing up, preferably gloves made out of PVC instead of rubber.

· Avoid using soaps and perfumed products.

· Use emollient washes and emollient oils (e.g. Eucerin Shower & Bath    Therapy) as substitutes for soaps/shower gels and bubble baths.

· Avoid wearing clothing and using bedding made out of wool and man-made    fibres such as nylon and polyester.

· Use smooth and soft cotton.

Avoidance of common irritants in the workplace

· Avoid/minimise contact with known irritants at work.

· Wear protective gloves where possible.

· Use emollient washes as soap substitutes when washing hands.