Healthy skin habits

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 I literally should be the last person writing about healthy skin this month because I am broken out head to toe in hives. Those of you that have seen me recently can vouch for this as I am covered with bright red itchy spots from the back of my neck to the tops of my feet. If you’re wondering if it’s uncomfortable, why yes it is!! I would take another 14-hour labor with my son over and over again, if it meant these hives would go away. Well, at any rate, my complaining about these hives won’t get any of us anywhere, so let’s talk about ways to prevent this from happening to you.

While I suffer from a condition known as chronic urticaria, which is also classified as atopic eczema, many people can prevent skin eruptions or flare ups by incorporating healthy skin habits into their daily routine. First and foremost, hydration is important! I can’t emphasize that point enough! Drink lots of water so that your skin can retain its moisture and remain intact. When you become dehydrated, your skin is often the first line of defense against foreign invaders like bacteria, viruses, and fungal infections. Those invaders can easily cross through broken, cracked, or dry skin and enter into the blood stream where it can wreak havoc on your vital organs. For most people, it will first present itself as a topical infection that can be treated with an over-the-counter anti-fungal or antibacterial soap. In those that have compromised immune systems, however, it can become more troublesome and develop into a life-threatening condition known as sepsis. Ideally, you need to drink at least 64 ounces of water daily to maintain proper hydration. This can vary from person to person, but this is the ideal amount for an average adult. I keep a metal thermal mug with me most days and fill it up with water that I drink on all day. To drink the 64 ounces needed, I would need to refill my thermal mug 3 times. That, obviously, has not happened and has led me to my current uncomfortable situation.

Speaking of hydration, daily moisturizing of the skin is equally important, especially during the drier winter months. In my case, my hives and skin become really irritated by cold, dry weather. I recently returned from visiting my in-laws, in Kansas, (some of you might recall that last time I broke out in hives it involved a visit with the in-laws).  I thought Tennessee was dry, but Kansas is so dry that the dairy cows are giving evaporated milk! Seriously though, it is dry, cold, and windy in Kansas, which added to an already under-hydrated and under- moisturized Jennifer, which led to head-to-toe hives. Ideally speaking, you want to moisturize twice daily. I personally, choose an oatmeal-based lotion marketed for eczema, but several lotions are available in a variety of price ranges. I recommend choosing a lotion free of fragrance because I have sensitive skin, but a variety of fragrances are available as well.

Your skin is your body’s largest organ and your body’s first line of defense. It is important to treat it like we would treat our heart or lungs. Remember that sunscreen isn’t just for the summer months, and, on exposed skin, it is still important to choose a facial moisturizer with a low SPF even during the winter.  I like to keep a tube of Chapstick with me at all times to keep my lips moisturized, and I occasionally will rub it on my nose or ears if I am going to be out in the sun for long in the winter, just to keep any exposed skin covered. That is my cheap way around and it seems to work well for me, because my face is the only part of my skin that isn’t covered in hives! I have been diligent about moisturizing my face twice daily but neglected the rest of my body as I got in a hurry.

 The take-away lesson here is don’t be like Jennifer! Drink lots of water daily and moisturize twice daily - those healthy habits will keep your skin happy! For more tips, you can always stop by Payless Family Pharmacy or Sparta Drug Center and talk to myself or Beth. We are always here to help!

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