Dry skin

Initially, the cause of the dry skin needs to be discovered. If a skin disease exists, it should be treated appropriately. As dry, irritated skin over a longer period of time is more than a cosmetic problem, it requires special attention and care. The dermatologist is the right contact person to point out suitable care measures or initiate the effective treatment of any skin disease that exists.

As there is a lack of natural moisturising factors and lipids with dry skin, it is expedient to supply these substances in the form of creams, ointments, lotions or oil baths. The skin barrier function can thus be stabilised.

The natural moisturising factors (NMF) include e.g. urea. Creams and ointments with urea (e.g. Optiderm^®) and other NMFs demonstrably result in an increase in the water binding capacity of the horny layer. The skin regains its natural softness. In addition, the thickened horny layer becomes looser so that scaly skin can detach itself more easily from the surface of the skin.

In addition, oil baths can be used with dry skin and these result in the entire body becoming more oily in a pleasant way.

Medicinal oil baths - such as e.g. Balneum Hermal^® - contain a particularly high proportion of plant oils (soy bean oil, peanut oil) that are similar to skin lipids in their composition. The regular use of medical oils results in a restoration of the surface skin lipid film; the skin becomes smooth and soft. They also normalise the transepidermal water loss that is intensified by illnesses such as e.g. neurodermatitis and psoriasis that are accompanied by dry skin.

Medical oil baths can be used as full baths, partial baths (specifically for particularly affected areas of the skin) and for showering.