Q&A: What to know about dry skin during summer
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Key takeaways:
- Summertime dry skin risk factors include sun, swimming, and some sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Shorter showers, with fragrance-free moisturizer used directly afterward, help combat dry skin.
If there is anything to know about dry skin as summertime sets in, it is that “it can still happen,” according to Stephen R. Humphrey, MD, Society for Pediatric Dermatology external marketing committee chair.
Dry, scaly skin is often associated with cold weather and low humidity. But even in warmer weather, one’s skin could dry out after “lots of time spent in the pool, swimming and sun,” Humphrey told Healio.
“Additionally, some people can get irritation from certain sunscreens and insect repellents,” Humphrey said. “While these are needed to enjoy summer and protect oneself, they can add to the dryness.”
Some skin conditions, such as intertrigo, are also more common in the summer, he added. Intertrigo involves irritation and inflammation where moisture is trapped between skin-to-skin contact and can present as “red, irritated or itchy patches in skin folds,” he said.
“Showering regularly and drying the skin well with a towel, as well as staying out of warm, sweaty environments, can help this,” he said.
In an interview with Healio, Humphrey reviewed the fundamentals of dry skin: its main causes, what physicians can tell their patients about it and when it could be a sign of something more serious.
Healio: What are the most common causes of skin dryness?
Humphrey: There are several causes of dry skin, which can be due to our environment, our genetic makeup or things we are exposed to. For example, heat (space heaters, fires and central heating) can decrease humidity and dry skin out. Cold, windy conditions and low-humidity climates will also dry skin out. Hot showers can also strip our skin of moisture, as can harsh soaps or fragrances. Older age can also make our skin more likely to be dry at baseline.
Weather changes in temperature and humidity can impact skin dryness, as can the heat inside your home. Many people will find that as humidity decreases, their potential for skin dryness increases.
Healio: How can patients protect their skin from becoming dry? Are there any simple habits or changes that can make a big impact?
Humphrey: One of the easiest ways to protect your skin from getting dry is using a fragrance-free moisturizer cream or ointment at least once daily. The best time to put a moisturizer on is within a few minutes of getting out of the shower or bath. You can apply the moisturizer cream or ointment more often as needed. Try to limit time in baths or showers to 10 to 15 minutes, avoiding very hot or very cold water. Try to use gentle cleansers, and do not scrub too hard at your skin.
Healio: Why is it important to address dry skin?
Humphrey: Dry skin can lead to irritation and itching, which can create a bad feedback loop of further itching, redness and irritation. Itching and breakdown of the skin can increase risk for bacterial infections, as the skin is more open.
Healio: When can skin dryness indicate a more serious condition?
Humphrey: When the skin becomes more red and itchy, instead of just dry or scaly, that can indicate various kinds of dermatitis and may require a dermatologist to help diagnose and appropriately treat the condition.
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