Handy year-round tips for dry skin and chapped lips
<p>Refusing to scratch problem skin irritated by eczema, psoriasis and a multitude of other factors is a medical must-do – and much easier said than done.</p>
<p>For the instant relief it gives some skin issues, holding back from scratching is difficult, and extremely problematic when dealing with irritated, itchy and uncomfortable children and adults alike.</p>
<p>Medicated treatments, creams and salves free from SLS, petrochemicals, sulphates, parabens and fragrances are a necessary solution to removing the uncomfortable side effect of skin irritation to let the skin heal.</p>
<p>According to the Australasian society of clinical immunology and allergy, eczema can be effectively treated and managed, but no cures are currently available.</p>
<p>The ASCIA says the “scratch and itch” cycle can be most distressing and having eczema means that when the skin barrier is damaged, moisture evaporates and this makes the skin more susceptible to allergens and irritants.</p>
<p>This irritation can trigger the skin to release certain chemicals that make the skin itchy. If you scratch, more chemicals are released and the skin feels even itchier. But there are solutions that can help.</p>
<p>Dry and chapped lips are also associated with cheilitis, an inflammatory lip condition that can be caused as a side effect of certain medications or extreme sun exposure.</p>
<p>Therefore, caring for our lips all year round is extremely important. There are three simple rules to live by:</p>
<ol>
<li>Keep yourself well hydrated</li>
<li>Avoid licking your lips</li>
<li>Keep a good lip balm on you at all times.</li>
</ol>
<p><em>This article first appeared in </em><a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/healthsmart/handy-year-round-tips-dry-skin-and-chapped-lips"><em>Reader’s Digest</em></a><em>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, </em><a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRA93V"><em>here’s our best subscription offer.</em></a></p>
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