Patient/caregiver was educated on risk factors and causes of dry skin development as follows:
- Cold weather: Winter climates with low atmospheric temperatures lower the humidity in the air. The low humidity dries the air and draws the moisture out from the skin. This results in drying of skin with breakdown and rashes.
- Dry indoor heat: We tend to spend more time indoor during winter and use indoor heating to keep ourselves comfortable. But indoor heat is dry heat without much moisture in it. So, dry indoor heat adds to the drying up of skin and mucus membranes, leading to dry mouth, throat, nose, and lips, resulting in hoarse throat, nosebleeds, and chapped lips.
- Extremely warm environments: Extremely warm environments, such as, peak summers, long hot showers, fireplaces, and sauna units can result in severe sweating, loss of moisture from the skin, and dry skin. These temperatures can also cause loss of protective oils that are naturally present in the skin, which can add to the drying of skin.
- Dehydration: Human cells are made of seventy percent water and compliance with the recommended daily fluid intake is very essential to maintain the skin supple and nourished. Poor fluid intake can lead to dehydration and contributes to dry skin.
