Long hot baths are not a remedy against xerosis of the skin, a medical term to define dry skin, – explains Dr. Alessandra Narcisi, dermatologist at Humanitas – although many people think that boiling water, bath salts and bath emollients are a good solution. On the contrary, it would seem that it is the long hot baths (or showers) that further dry up the skin, perhaps already damaged by the cold or temperature changes. Other factors that increase the dryness of the skin, which may tend to peel off and be rougher, include excessive temperatures inside the rooms, chlorine in swimming pools, alcohol-based deodorants and detergents against oily skin, which have an effect that is even too effective. As the experts point out, dry skin should not be neglected, because it could aggravate many skin diseases. For example, dry skin can lead to a worsening of senile itching, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and irritating or allergic contact dermatitis. Therefore, it is important not to underestimate dry skin and always contact a dermatologist, avoiding do-it-yourself therapies, both to prevent the problem from persisting and getting worse, and to have an adequate diagnosis and receive advice on how to treat skin dryness. Finally, it is important to pay close attention to the type of detergents, creams and other products that you use every day.
