Avoid excessive heat. Do not keep the heat in your home above 78 degrees. Besides adding to your heating bill, high temperatures deplete moisture from the air and contribute to winter itch. Also, avoid using heating pads or placing your legs in front of the fireplace for long periods of time. Protect your skin from the sun.
Winter sun can be as dangerous for the skin as summer sun.
It can lead to premature aging of the skin and skin cancer. When outdoors for prolonged periods, use a sunscreen with a sun-protection factor of 15 or greater. If problems persist, see a doctor. If you have persistent dry skin, scaling, itching or other rashes, or skin growths that concern you, a dermatologist should be able to help. What To Do For more information on keeping your skin healthy, check out information provided online by the Mayo Clinic or the American Academy of Dermatology .