Lifestyle and home remedies

Self-help measures may help improve the appearance and feel of damaged skin. Consider these suggestions:

• Take long soaking baths to soften the skin. Use mild soap. Rub dampened skin lightly with a rough-textured sponge (loofa) or a pumice stone to help remove the scales.
• After showering or bathing, gently pat or blot the skin dry with a towel so that some moisture remains on the skin.
• Apply moisturizer or lubricating cream while the skin is still moist from bathing. Choose a moisturizer with urea or propylene glycol — chemicals that help keep skin moist. Petroleum jelly is another good choice.
• Apply an over-the-counter product that contains urea, lactic acid or a low concentration of salicylic acid twice daily. Mild acidic compounds help skin shed its dead skin cells. Urea helps bind moisture to skin.
• Use a portable home humidifier or one attached to your furnace to add moisture to the air inside your home.