Is it Dry Winter Skin or do You Have a Skin Condition?

It's wintertime and you know your skin is bound to be a little dryer. You try to moisturize more. Yet, your skin feels itchy and seems to be dry all the time. Could it be something more than dry skin?

How can you tell if you have a skin condition?

First, take the right steps to prevent your skin from drying or to help the dryness that has occur.

Try not to scratch so much. When you scratch your skin you are scratching away oils your skin needs. You may even be releasing histamines that can cause redness and even swelling. Try to do the following to help prevent the itchiness in the first place.

1. Don't wear clothes that are so tight. Your skin needs to breathe. You may want to consider wearing cotton next to your skin (it is both soft and warm).

2. Don't overheat your rooms (even though it is cold outside). Try to keep your rooms at 68 degrees. If you can't stand that temperature and you must have more heat, think about investing in a humidifier to add more moisture to your air.

3. Skip that hot water and turn to warm water instead. Yes, hot bathes may feel good at first. But they are ripping the moisture from your skin. Instead, opt for a nice warm bath.

4. Use a gentle cleanser that won't strip the oil from your body.

5. Drink more water. If you put water inside your body, it will help moisturize your body from the inside out, which will keep your skin moisturized, softer and looking much healthier.

6. Drink less tea, alcohol and caffeine. They tend to make the skin warmer and then cause it dry out quicker.

7. Finally, learn how to moisturize your skin correctly. The proper way to do this is within three minutes after taking your bath or shower, while your skin is still damp. Use a thick ointment instead of those light creams. If your skin is really dry reach for glycerin or other oils.

If you try all the above tips and your skin is still dry and itchy, you may have a skin condition. This means you should consult your doctor. You may have one of the following skin conditions:

PSORIASIS

This is an autoimmune disorder. You may experience red patches that may itch, peel or even crack.