The winter weather makes dry skin , and for some, a dry skin rash a problem. In the winter time, people often forget about drinking water. This is essential for hydration and will keep skin moist. It’s easier in the summer to take a water bottle for sports, walking and outdoor activities, but remember to pack one daily in winter too.

Spending a long time in the bath or shower during winter weather can dry out your skin. When you come out, be sure to use a moisturizer. People tend to be cold after a shower or bath and wrap a towel on them while quickly getting dressed. Take the time to put on moisturizer. It takes an extra minute and you may have a slight chill, but it will protect your skin. Also when you are in the shower or bath, don’t use products that dry out your skin. Eczema can be more common during the winter. Pat your skin, don’t rub it. When you rub it you may be removing essential oils. Use a non-soap cleanser.

The wind and sun can also be problematical and dry skin out. Bring a moisturizer in the car with you and if you are taking a walk during lunch time, apply it to your body. Pop it in a gym bag if you are working out.

What type of heating system do you have in your house. Do you use a humidifier? If you have forced air heating, it can be quite drying. You can always put bowls of water on ground of each room to add some moisture if you don’t have a humidifier.

Check your cleaning and laundry products for chemical harshness. Be careful about friction that your clothing may have on your skin. Also patchy red skin can be a rash from ringworm or a different condition, so if moisturizing does not help, you need to have it checked out by a dermatologist to determine if it’s a dry skin rash or another cause.