Eczema

Winter Weather
Winter weather especially in Utah where there is typically around 10% of water in the air.
Genetics
Inherited factors play a crucial role in dryness. Some people are more prone to dryness due to genetics.
Metabolic Factors
Metabolic factors such as low thyroid, or excessive weight loss.
Aging
Increasing age, resulting in decreased natural lubrication.
Air Conditioners
Air conditioning, central heating or sitting close to a fire or fan heater.
Excessive bathing
Excessive bathing, showering or swimming, especially in strongly chlorinated hot or cold water.
Contact with soap
Contact with soap, detergents and solvents or even lotions.
Irritation
Frictional irritation and chapping

Avoid using harsh soaps, detergents and solvents.
Use non-soap cleansers often and especially avoid dish soaps for hand washing. Use fragrant free products.
Reduce the duration of time spent bathing and showering and use lukewarm water.
Ultimately showers may be better than baths.
Apply thicker creams and ointments following contact with water, especially following hand washing and showers.
Many lotions contain water, propylene glycol and alcohols or other ingredients that may ultimately lead to continued dryness. Use Cerave, Cetaphil, Aveeno, Eucerin or other emollients that help repair the skin’s barrier.
When symptoms begin such as redness, itching, burning or pain, inflammation is occurring.
This means unless the inflammation is treated the site will most likely worsen. Use topical steroids as prescribed or OTC hydrocortisone for rescue therapy only. Continue to use moisturizing creams for continued maintenance therapy. Rescue therapy means to use it as needed twice daily for up to 2 weeks then continue maintenance therapy with moisturizing creams.
Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water.
As we age we tend to retain water in our skin less. It is important to drink plenty of water daily as to maintain proper lubrication in skin cells.