Whats with My Bumpy, Itchy Skin?
The more dehydrated skin gets, the more sensitive it becomes to irritants, notes dermatologist Kenneth Beer, director of the Palm Beach Esthetic Center. Scratchy sweaters can exacerbate the situation. Wear breathable materials like cotton, and pat (don t rub!) on moisturizer postshower. Use a fragrance-free cream with occlusives like petroleum to protect against allergens, says Dr. Beer. Try Vaseline Intensive Rescue Moisture Locking Lotion, $4.29. Also, look for products with green-tea extracts to calm aggravation and mica to reduce redness. Another solution: Put a humidifier in your room to add soothing moisture to the air. If itchy patches persist after a few days, you might have eczema, so consult your derm.
