Patient/caregiver was educated on complications of dry skin development as follows:
- Extremely hot environments can increase the sweating, dehydrate, and dry the skin out. Extremely cold environments can dry the skin due to poor moisture around. Sudden changes in environmental temperatures during quick moves from cold to warm and vice versa can result in activation/worsening of dry skin. So, maintain an ideal internal temperature always and prevent fluctuation between extremes. Limit yourself being outdoor during peak summer and extreme winters and choose a temperature-controlled gym for workout program.
- Avoid any environments with sudden changes and extremes of temperature. Minimize outdoor time in winter weather. Observe compliance with application of moisturizer cream on the body, especially the exposed body parts. You can also apply coconut oil, sesame oil, olive oil, or jojoba oils all over the body and face, to moisturize the skin. Moisture prevents excessive drying and damage of skin.
- Putting on appropriate winter wear and having gloves on can minimize the risk for dry skin on the extremities from cold weather.
- Minimize exposure to extremely warm environments, such as, long hot showers, fireplaces, and sauna units, as they can result in severe sweating, loss of moisture from the skin, and dry skin. Use the warm water setting instead of hot water during shower can help with preventing drying of skin.
