Don't lick chapped lips. Excess moisture on the skin will evaporate, and contribute to drying of the skin. If dry skin is extremely bothersome, and includes red patches, most especially behind the knees and on arms, neck and face, it may indicate eczema, a more serious skin condition. Rinn says eczema is often an inherited condition and explains it can be treated with a topical steroid ointment in addition to dry skin care measures. If skin problems are persistent, Rinn recommends visiting your doctor.
Winter is the season for chapped lips and dry skin.
Giving your skin a little extra attention can help provide relief from the dryness caused by exposure to the elements and spending extra time indoors with the thermostat turned up. Dr. Kristine Rinn, dermatology resident at University of Washington Medical Center, explains that people react differently during winter months depending on their skin types. Some people have more oils in their skin than others and are not as prone to dry skin. If you do experience dry skin, Rinn stresses the most important thing to do is moisturize it. Apply lubricants, such as lotion, several times a day, especially after bathing, to restore lost moisture.