How to Stop Winter Itch

Winter is the prime season for dry, flaky and itchy skin. Oatmeal soothes and moistens the skin and is often used to treat dry and itchy skin conditions. An oatmeal bath allows you to immerse all parts of your body at once and has the added bonus of providing warmth and comfort. Oatmeal is also gentle, natural and chemical free. Try an oatmeal bath once a week, and moisturize often, to combat itchy winter skin.

Things You'll Need

• Blender or food processor
• Non-slip bath mat or towel
• One cup plain quick oats
• Body lotion or moisturizer

Instructions

1. Pour all of the oats into the blender. Blend or process the oats into a fine powder.

2. Mix one teaspoon of the oat powder into an eight-ounce glass of warm water. The oats should dissolve and the water should turn milky. If the oats do not dissolve easily, blend or process the remaining powder for another few seconds and test it again.

3. Put the non-slip mat or towel in the bottom of the tub. The oatmeal may make the tub slipperier than usual. Run a warm bath -- slightly warmer than body temperature is best. Water that is too hot will make dry skin worse.

4. Add all of the oat powder to the bath and swirl the water to dissolve the oats. If necessary, reposition the towel in the bottom of the tub.

5. Get into the tub and soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Pat yourself dry, with a soft towel, and apply lotion or moisturizer.

Tips & Warnings

• Lifestyle Tips:

• Moisturize immediately after taking a shower or bathing. Or, use a product that moisturizes in the shower.

• Exfoliate at least once a week. Exfoliated skin absorbs moisturizer better.

• Use a humidifier to keep the air moist. Either install a humidifier on your furnace or buy a free-standing humidifier.

• Soothe itchy feet and heels by exfoliating or shaving calluses with a product like Ped-Egg. Before bed, apply a soothing foot cream and cover with cotton socks.

• Soothe dry, itchy hands by applying a protective hand cream and cotton gloves before bed.

• Heavy, wool clothing can irritate dry skin and make winter itch worse. Always wear removable layers and avoid letting wool touch the skin.

• Protect your hands and face from cold air and wind by wearing gloves, scarves and hats outdoors.

• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water to replace any fluids lost to dry, cold air.

• Cut back on alcohol and smoking, both of which dry the skin.

References

• "The Herbal Drugstore";Linda B. White, M.D. & Steven Foster;2000