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Once the weather turns cool, feelings of autumn bliss fill the air. However, that same air can cause serious issues for those with dry skin or eczema.  

  

So, what do you do when you’re feeling flaky, itchy, and irritated? 

  

You call Cook’s Pharmacy, that’s what! Our specialists can help you find the best solution to combat your skin issues. 

  

There are many causes for dry, flaky skin:  

  

• Heat sources 

• Environmental factors 

• Excessive bathing or scrubbing 

• Harsh soaps and detergents 

• Other skin conditions 

• Medical treatments 

• Aging 

 

As for eczema, several things can irritate the condition. There are different types of eczema, each with its own triggers that can impact your skin's barrier function. More on that later. 
 
It’s also possible to experience more than one type of eczema at the same time, meaning it’s important to receive a proper diagnosis before starting treatment.  
 
Luckily, Cook’s Pharmacy is here to help. In this post, we’ll go through the several causes of dry skin and eczema this fall and winter season. 

 

Breaking Down the Causes of Dry, Flaking Skin 

In a lot of cases, the causes of dry, flaking skin are environmental or seasonal issues that are temporary and can be treated with relative ease. However, understanding the root cause will make it easier to find the dry skin treatment that works best for you. 

  

Some symptoms of dry skin can include:  

• Skin tightness 

• Skin that looks and feels rough 

• Skin that is either slightly flaking or flaking significantly 

• Scaling or peeling of the skin 

• Cracking skin that is painful 

• Ashiness 

 

The fundamental, underlying cause of dry skin is that the skin is losing water quicker than it’s being replenished. This imbalance can be worsened by everyday habits such as the use of soaps or harsh cleaning products that strip away oils from the skin. Living in cold or dry climates also contributes to this moisture loss. 

 

Here are some other potential causes of dry, flaking skin:   

• Your moisturizer contains ingredients that may not suit your skin type, such as isopropyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol, or sulfates. 

• Over-washing your skin or using excessively hot water can cause dryness. 

• You may not be moisturizing frequently enough throughout the day. 

• The type of moisturizer you’re using may not be appropriate for your skin – try a thicker one at night and a lighter one during the day. 

• The moisturizer you’re using could be expired. 

• Your dry skin might be a sign of an underlying condition that requires treatment or management. 

 

If your skin becomes excessively dry and/or painful, then it is best to contact your healthcare provider. They can offer treatment or refer you to a dermatologist to determine the best course of action.  

 

Some treatment options include:  

• Using gentler soaps without fragrance 

• Moisturizing several times a day, especially after bathing 

• Using thicker moisturizers at night, and a lighter one in the morning 

• Ensuring you’re not using expired products including moisturizers, facial products, makeup, etc. 

• Using sunscreen and avoiding prolonged sun exposure 

• Avoiding contact with harsh cleaning products  

• Drinking lots of water 

• Taking warm baths and showers (NOT hot) 

• Using a humidifier  

Remember, it’s best to talk to a healthcare provider before applying products to the affected areas to avoid further irritation. 
 
You should reach out to a healthcare provider if your symptoms resemble any of the following:  
 

• Consistently itchy skin that negatively impacts your life 

• Appears infected (red, hot, weeping, or swollen) 

• Painful to the touch 

• Develops into a rash 

 

Breaking Down the Causes of Eczema  

Eczema is a skin condition characterized by dry and itchy patches of skin, often flaking. Symptoms of eczema often flare up, due to contact with allergens or irritants, as well as factors like stress and anxiety. 

  

Eczema can cause skin to become dry, itchy, or bumpy. It weakens the skin’s barrier function, which helps retain moisture and protect the body from the elements. In severe cases, eczema can even become infected.  

  

While there is no cure for eczema, there are many effective treatments. With proper management, those with eczema can live fulfilling lives and manage their symptoms. 

 

 

Eczema is a form of dermatitis – a group of skin conditions that cause inflammation. There are several forms of dermatitis, such as:  

 

• Atopic dermatitis 

• Contact dermatitis 

• Dyshidrotic eczema 

• Neurodermatitis 

• Nummular eczema 

• Seborrheic dermatitis 

While the exact cause of eczema isn't known, there are many reported triggers for the condition, such as: 
 

• The body's immune response to an allergen or irritant 

• Issues with the skin's barrier that release moisture and let germs/bacteria in 

• A family history of eczema, other allergies, and even asthma 

• Overactive immune system 

• Stress and anxiety 

• Environmental factors such as dry/hot climate 

 

A common concern for people with eczema is that the condition is contagious. However, eczema is not contagious at all. Still, it’s better to limit touching the skin to avoid potential infection, especially if the skin is broken.  
 

There are several treatment options for eczema, and often, treatments will be compounded to address the issue. Everyone is different, and depending on your case, some treatment options may work better than others.  
 
Having a healthcare provider along for the journey can help you find the right treatment options for you.

 

Here are some of the common treatments for those struggling with eczema:  

  

Topical Treatments 

• Topical Corticosteroids: Commonly prescribed to reduce inflammation and itching (e.g., hydrocortisone, betamethasone). 

• Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors: Non-steroidal creams that help reduce inflammation and immune responses (e.g., tacrolimus, pimecrolimus). 

• Topical PDE4 Inhibitors: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory creams for mild to moderate eczema (e.g., crisaborole). 

 

Systemic Treatments 

• Oral Corticosteroids: For severe cases, short-term use of oral corticosteroids may be prescribed (e.g., prednisone). 

• Biologic Drugs: Injectable medications that target specific immune responses, such as dupilumab (Dupixent). 

 

Phototherapy 

• UV Light Therapy: Exposure to controlled doses of ultraviolet light can reduce symptoms in moderate to severe cases. 

 

Moisturizers 

• Emollients: Creams, ointments, or lotions to hydrate the skin and maintain the skin barrier (e.g., CeraVe, Eucerin). 

• Occlusive Moisturizers: Thick creams or ointments that lock moisture in the skin (e.g., petroleum jelly). 

 

Lifestyle Modifications

• Avoiding Triggers: Identifying and avoiding irritants like certain soaps, fragrances, or allergens. 

• Wet Wrap Therapy: Applying wet bandages over moisturizers or medicated creams to enhance absorption and reduce itching. 

 

Antihistamines 

• Oral Antihistamines: Can help control itching, especially at night (e.g., cetirizine, diphenhydramine). 

 

Other Medications 

• Antibiotics: If eczema becomes infected, oral or topical antibiotics may be prescribed. 

• Immunosuppressants: Medications that suppress the immune system, used for severe cases (e.g., methotrexate, cyclosporine). 

 

Things to Avoid When You Struggle with Dry Skin or Eczema 

There are many treatments for dry skin and eczema, but there are also common things you should try to avoid. Sometimes, the pursuit of relief can leave us searching for a quick fix. However, properly treating any condition requires time and patience to find something that works. 

  

Here are some things you should try to avoid when dealing with dry skin or eczema. 

  

Scrubbing and Over-Exfoliating 

  

It can be very tempting to scrub or exfoliate flaky skin away.  While exfoliating can be a great way to remove dead skin cells, excessive scrubbing and over-exfoliating can actually make dry skin worse. It can also make your skin irritated and raw, worsening the condition. 

  

In the case of eczema, it’s generally not recommended that you exfoliate dry patches. Exfoliating the dry patches can aggravate the area. In the case of using chemical exfoliators – this could potentially cause a flare-up.  

  

If you struggle with eczema, you’re likely sensitive to certain products and need to use gentler ones that are approved by a healthcare provider or dermatologist.  

  

Stopping and Starting Treatments 

  

When it comes to skincare, consistency is key. It’s recommended that you try treatments for at least 4-6 weeks.  If you don’t notice any improvement, then it’s time to check in with your healthcare team. 

  

For eczema, it can take several weeks depending on the severity of the flare-up before significant improvements can be seen. What’s important is that you continue to use the products or medications as prescribed. 

  

One of the worst things you can do is to stop and start treatments. This not only prevents the products or medications from working effectively but changing treatments frequently can cause further irritation and worsen the problem. 

  

Patch Testing Treatments 

  

Before you start any dry skin treatments (especially over-the-counter ones) you should always do a patch test before using consistently. The last thing you want as someone with skin troubles is potentially causing further irritation.  

  

How to Perform a Patch Test 

1. Choose a Spot: Apply the product to a small area of skin where it won’t be easily washed or rubbed off, like the inside of your arm or the bend of your elbow. 

2. Apply the Product: Use a quarter-sized amount and apply it as thickly as you would normally use it. 

3. Wait: Leave the product on for as long as you would during regular use. If it’s a wash-off product like a cleanser, keep it on for 5 minutes or as directed. 

4. Repeat: Do this twice a day for 7-10 days. Reactions might not happen immediately, so it’s important to continue for the full duration. 

5. Check for Reactions: If your skin reacts, wash off the product immediately and stop using it. You can use a cool compress or petroleum jelly to soothe the skin if needed. 

  

Also, make sure you read the instructions on the packaging carefully and apply them according to said instructions. 

 

Cook’s Pharmacy Can Help 

       

The specialists at Cook’s Pharmacy can help you find the treatment plan that works best for you. You don’t have to struggle with dry skin or eczema alone – our team is equipped to provide insight and treatments to help manage your symptoms.  

 

Cook’s Pharmacy is proudly independent and treats all of our patients as unique cases, tailoring our services to meet your needs.  

 

Book an appointment today, and get ahead of your dry, flaky skin and eczema this season.