Thursday 16 December, 2010

How to care for dry or very dry skin?
How to protect your skin against external attacks?

Chat session led by Dr Wafa Ouazzani, Dermatologist.


Chat transcription:


Question 1
Internet user: How can I protect my skin in the winter?
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: You should wash your skin less often during the winter. Use a dermatological ultra-rich soap and moisturise your body and face every day.

Question 2
Internet user: Whenever it turns very cold, my 7-year old daughter gets red patches on her skin. What type of cream should I use to help protect her from the cold and treat these patches, which itch?
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: It sounds similar to eczema. Before trying a medical cream, apply a thick layer of ATODERM PP cream on the red patches every day (twice a day).

Question 3
Internet user: I wash daily with Atoderm shower gel and then I use Atoderm PP Anti-Récidive cream. What else can I do to prevent my eczema from showing?
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: Make sure the water isn’t too hot and don’t spend too long in the shower. Also, avoid using fabric softeners on any clothes that you wear directly against your skin.

Question 4
Internet user: I have very dry skin on my face and it feels very tight. What would you recommend?
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: Never use soap on your face. Use a very mild make-up removing milk once or twice a day, even if you’re not wearing any make-up. Then moisturise your face with a rich nourishing cream, avoiding heavily perfumed products.

Question 5
Internet user: Will skin that is dehydrated during summer and between seasons become dry in winter? Is there a risk of getting spots if I use products that are too rich?
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: Yes, skin that is dehydrated throughout the year will become dry in winter.
In order to avoid getting spots from a dry skin cream, use a moisturising nourishing cream (available from pharmacies and beauty stores), making sure it is non-comedogenic.

Question 6
Internet user: The skin on my legs is so itchy that it has begun to peel. What can I do?
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: If you itch its because you have not been treating your skin properly, which is why it is now rebelling. Try to wash a little less often and more quickly, using a mild soap. Also, moisturise your legs with a rich cream morning and night.

Question 7
Internet user: Can I use the same product for my body and face?
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: There are lots of dry skin products available at pharmacies and beauty stores that can be used on both the face and body.

Question 8
Internet user: I am a hairdresser and my hands are therefore the tools of my trade. With all the products we use, and with washing hair so often, they have become very sensitive. What can I do for maximum moisturisation?
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: When using professional colouring products you wear gloves as often as possible, unless you are allergic to latex in which case you should use vinyl (surgical) gloves. Moisturise your hands with a very rich cream every two hours whenever not at work.

Question 9
Internet user: When I get my period I get very dry skin on my hands. Can you tell me why? What can I do?
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: Hormones do not affect skin dryness. It is more likely to be environmental and seasonal factors, rather than hormonal or endocrine factors, that are responsible for your dry skin.
Wash your hands using a dermatological ultra-rich soap and moisturise them regularly.

Question 10
Internet user: What is the best fabric to wear during winter when my skin dries out? I have noted that wool tends to itch more.
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: Yes, wool is very irritating. During winter you should therefore make sure you only wear natural fibres next to your skin, such as cotton and silk.

Question 11
Internet user: Why do some parts of my body, such as my elbows, get dryer than others?
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: Elbows and knees are callous regions and joints that are particularly prone to rubbing, and so they need to be moisturised more.

Question 12
Internet user: Does exfoliating dry out the skin?
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: Yes. You shouldn’t exfoliate as much during winter as in the summertime.

Question 13
Internet user: I have very dry skin (ichthyosis) and using a body lotion in the winter sometimes isn’t enough. Can I combine a moisturising milk with a body oil? If so, which should I use first?
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: For your particular problem, you should consult your dermatologist so he can prescribe internal and external treatment. Ichthyosis vulgaris is a common condition and dermatologists know how to treat it.

Question 14
Internet user: Is soap harsh on dry skin?
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: Yes, because soap has an alkaline pH. Dermatologists prefer to use SynDets (Synthetic Detergents) or ultra-rich soaps, which respect the skin’s natural pH.

Question 15
Internet user: Creams don’t seem to moisturise my skin enough during the winter. Should I also use masks or serums to ensure proper hydration?
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: Serums are for elderly skin only. Some moisturising creams have long-lasting effects, and your pharmacist can tell you more about them. Using a soothing and moisturising mask once or twice a week can be good for dry skin. Leave it on for 15 minutes and then rinse with a jet of thermal spring water.

Question 16
Internet user: I get a lot of allergies and have to use organic fragrance-free soap. I also have to buy all my products from the pharmacy. I get very dry red skin all over my cheeks which gets worse during winter or whenever I use soap.
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: You have very reactive skin so you should never use soap, even organic and fragrance-free soaps, on your face. Use a micellar solution or a make-up removing milk to cleanse your skin.
Internet user: What type of dry skin cream can I use? I have tried lots but they all burn my skin.
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: If a cream stings, stop using it. Don’t hesitate to change products and ask your pharmacist for a neutral, fragrance-free moisturising cream. The more active substances a cream contains, the greater the risk of it stinging. Stick to creams with an alkaline pH. Don’t necessarily use organic creams since they sometimes contain essential oils and plant oils etc. and can sting more.

Question 17
Internet user: I wash with shea butter soap but my face gets patches of very dry skin. What can I do?
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: Use a soap-free soap, a syndet, which will respect your skin’s natural pH.
Dermatologists never recommend shea butter soaps, rather shea butter creams for dry hair, to be used on the tips.

Question 18
Internet user: Is impetigo caused by dry skin?
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: It depends. It can either be caused by eczema becoming superinfected and then impetiginised, or the impetigo can develop directly around a “point of entry” (mouth, anus) since staphylococcus is transmitted easily between children.

Question 19
Internet user: Do perfumed beauty products irritate dry skin more than non-perfumed ones?
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: Yes. Don’t forget that perfumes and fragrances are the primary cause of allergic contact eczema.

Question 20
Internet user: My 4-year old daughter has red weeping plaques on her arms. Our doctor has already recommended oat milk baths and numerous creams, but the red plaques keep flaring up. What should I do to soothe them?
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: Your daughter probably has superinfected eczema. You should consult a dermatologist as soon as possible.

Question 21
Internet user: Do hydroalcoholic solutions aggravate dry hands?
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: Hydroalcoholic solutions contain alcohol and harsh chemicals and are therefore very drying on the skin.


Question 22
Internet user: I have noticed that certain dry skin creams contain parabens. Are they harmful for the skin?
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: No, parabens are a type of conservative used in dermatology and they are completely harmless.

Question 23
Internet user: I have lots of small dry patches around my nails. I moisturise the area regularly but it doesn’t help. Do you have any tips to get rid of them?
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: Find a manicurist who can provide gentle skin and hand care, and try to go every two months during winter.
Internet user: Won’t a manicure irritate my hands even more and make the problem worse?
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: No, not if the manicurist is an experienced practitioner who uses gentle techniques. She should avoid using wooden cuticle sticks.

Question 24
Internet user: Can chemotherapy and radiotherapy cause dry skin?
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: Yes, both of them can. Chemotherapy modifies your immune system, and radiotherapy can cause radiation dermatitis.

Question 25
Internet user: I am pregnant and have very dry skin. I have small red spots around my mouth together with crusty patches at the corners caused by impetigo that won’t go away despite taking antibiotics. What can I do?
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: Try using a local antibiotic too. Clean the affected area using a colourless antiseptic that doesn’t sting, then apply a suitable antibiotic cream several times a day, making sure your hands are clean first.

Question 26
Internet user: Can dry skin become even dryer if you use a cream not suited for this type of skin?
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: No, you will just have to use more of it and apply it more often.

Question 27
Internet user: I use potassium permanganate for my son who has eczema, but I get the feeling that his skin burns even after applying a cold cream. What cream can I use to relieve it?
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: Potassium permanganate, or the chemical KMnO4, should be diluted as instructed by the dermatologist before use. This way it won’t sting and is a good product to use. Then use a cold cream or a non-perfumed nourishing cream.

Question 28
Internet user: My 4-year old daughter’s has white patches on her arms similar to those seen on depigmented skin. Is this a type of eczema?
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: It sounds like a minor eczema-like skin lightening condition. Regularly apply a nourishing cream, avoid washing unnecessarily and give her 30 g fresh butter a day (good source of Vitamin A).

Question 29
Internet user: Does skin dry out with age?
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: Yes, skin dries out with age, especially in women after the menopause since they produce less oestrogen. If a gynaecologist prescribes hormone replacement therapy, the skin will not be as dry.

Question 30
Internet user: Can a dietary deficiency cause severe skin dryness?
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: Yes. Take olive oil for Vitamin E, butter for Vitamin A and oily fish (mackerel, tuna, sardines, herrings etc.) for omega 3 and omega 6, not forgetting to drink mineral water every day, changing brands often.

Question 31
Internet user: My 3-year old son has severe eczema. What do you recommend?
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: Consult a dermatologist. Atopic dermatitis is the number 1 reason for consulting a dermatologist and it is now very easy to treat.

Question 32
Internet user: Can dry skin turn oily over time, or vice versa?
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: Definitely not. Dry skin will remain dry and oily skin will remain oily, unless it has been treated with harsh drying agents.

Question 33
Internet user: My 8-year old son gets irritations around his mouth every winter. What products can I use to soothe it?
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: First try to stop him salivating excessively (dummy, blankie etc.) and use a fluoride-free toothpaste. To treat the patches around the mouth, first use a colourless antiseptic that doesn’t sting, and then apply ABCDerm Péri-oral cream (3 times a day until they clear up).

Question 34
Internet user: Does the cold weather aggravate dry skin?
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: Cold and dry weather causes skin dryness and a loss of the protective surface oils. Therefore, avoid stripping the epidermis by washing too often or by using harsh products, and use a regular emollient.

Question 35
Internet user: Can diet affect dry skin?
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: For very dry or allergy-prone skin, I recommend a diet high in Vitamin A for children (fresh butter) and polyunsaturated fats for adults (salmon, herring etc.). And make sure you always drink lots of water.

Question 36
Internet user: I have dry skin, how can I care for my lips and hands during winter when it’s very cold and in summer when it’s very hot?
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: When it’s very cold, lipsalve sticks are not enough and you should use an ultra-nourishing cream (such as ATODERM lip balm), every two hours. You should also avoid wearing lipstick.
For your hands, avoid washing too often and use mild liquid soap, not forgetting to moisturise every time. The same applies in summer (after sunbathing or swimming in the sea or a pool). For your lips, try to use a balm that has a high enough UV factor to prevent cold sores.

Question 37
Internet user: I’ve heard that mineral oils, which are often criticised, are however excellent for dry skin and are very well tolerated. But aren’t they occlusive and stop the skin from breathing?
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: For dry skin we use vegetable oils, such as mild almond or argan oil, not mineral oils.
Vegetable oils do not penetrate very well through the epidermis and they are recommended more often by paediatricians than dermatologists.

Question 38
Internet user: What is the difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin?
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: Dry skin is both dehydrated (water loss) and ‘delipidated’ (loss of surface oils).

Question 39
Internet user: I have dry skin, can I use tap water to remove my makeup? What should I do if I have hard water?
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: It is best to use micellar water.

Question 40
Internet user: Can using a shower gel specially designed for dry skin prevent severe dryness during winter?
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: Using a dry skin shower gel is not enough. After showering, you should use a moisturising cream.

Question 41
Internet user: I have greasy skin on my face but dry skin on my body. What can I do?
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: This is quite common. Moisturise your body using a rich cream and use a mild emulsion on the face.

Question 42
Internet user:What can be done to strengthen a child’s defences against the cold? How can I protect their skin from harsh cold weather?
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: Don’t wash them too often and make sure you apply a protective cream to their skin before going out.

Question 43
Internet user: Does applying a thick layer of cream protect the skin better?
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: A normal layer is enough.

Question 44
Internet user: Does make-up provide sufficient protection when its cold?
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: No, foundation provides no protection against the cold. Only creams protect the skin.

Question 45
Internet user: I go to the swimming pool a lot, how can I prevent the chlorine aggravating my skin?
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: To protect your skin, use a moisturising cream over the whole body, before and after swimming.Only creams protect the skin.

Question 46
Internet user: Why does my skin feel tight in the morning, even when I moisturised the night before?
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: This is normal, since a moisturising cream only lasts for a few hours.

Question 47
Internet user: What should I do to protect my skin from the extreme cold? Should I always wear protective clothing (hat, gloves etc)?
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: Yes, wear suitable clothing to protect you from the cold, and think about applying a protective cream on exposed areas before you go out.

Question 48
Internet user: How can I prevent cracked heels?
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: Use a very rich cream every night and use a pumice stone after each bath.

Question 49
Internet user: What advice can you give for mature dry skin that is often exposed to the weather?
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: Use a suitable cleanser, then thickly apply an anti-aging moisturising cream.

Question 50
Internet user: How many showers or baths can I take in a single day, using suitable products, without risking making my dry skin worse?
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: There is no risk to your skin if you wash once a day or once every two days using suitable products.

Question 51
Internet user: I can’t use rinse-off face products because of the water. Would a micellar lotion, which by definition doesn’t need rinsing, be more suitable?
Dr Wafa Ouazzani: Yes, definitely. You can use it twice a day and, if needed, rinse using a spritzer.


^{This transcription does not necessarily represent all the discussions that occurred during the chat..}