Press Release

ATTENTION: CITY DESK/ASSIGNMENT EDITORS
Contact: Tom Capezzuto
(973) 972-7273
E-mail:capezzta@umdnj.edu

MEDIA ALERT

Protect Your Skin From Winter Dryness

Winter can wreak havoc with you skin. Lower humidity, over-heated houses and hot showers can result in excessively dry skin.

A common problem for many people during the winter season, skin dryness may lead to inflamed, itchy skin, known as xerotic eczema. The condition may appear anywhere on the body, but is especially common on the hands and lower extremities, according to Dr. Frank P. Murphy, a dermatologist at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ).

"Dry heat and prolonged exposure to hot water will deplete the skin of its moisture and natural oils, " said Dr. Frank P. Murphy, chief of dermatology at the UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick. "You can avoid skin dryness by applying liberal amounts of emollients or emulsions-skin moisturizers-after bathing while your skin is still wet. This will lock in the moisturizer and provide better and longer lasting protection against environmental elements.

"There are three types of moisturizers-a lotion, which is a light coating; a creme, which is a thicker coating; an ointment, which is thick and offers the best protection, if you can tolerate its greasy feeling," Dr. Murphy said.

Other tips for avoiding dry skin include:

.Don't overheat your home. Lower the temperature at bedtime.
.Use a humidifier.
.Take lukewarm showers or baths; use mild soap and apply moisturizers immediately.

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