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General health information

Dry skin

Dry skin has too little water and fat in its outer layer. It may feel tight, rough, flaky or itchy, or develop cracks. Sun, heat, sweating, air conditioning, frequent washing and irritating products often contribute in Curaçao. Good skincare helps; inflammation, infection or an underlying illness may sometimes need medical assessment.

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  • Dry skin develops when the skin barrier retains too little water and loses protective fats.
  • Warm water, plenty of soap, scrubbing, sun, swimming, sweating and prolonged air conditioning can worsen dryness.
  • Apply a fragrance-free cream or ointment generously and repeatedly, especially straight after washing. Choose a richer product for very dry skin.
  • Itching and scratching damage the barrier and can cause inflammation, darker or lighter patches and infection.
  • Persistent or localised patches may be eczema, psoriasis, a fungal infection, contact allergy or another condition.
  • Dry skin is usually not dangerous; rapidly developing painful redness, pus, fever, blisters or peeling skin need prompt help.

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Further reading

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E
EczemaEczema is a collective term for skin inflammation with itching, redness, scales, bumps, cracks or weeping patches. The right approach depends on the type and cause. Daily moisturising often helps; pain, pus, fever or rapid spread need medical assessment.
E
Emollient ointments and other moisturising treatmentsAn emollient is a cream, lotion or ointment that forms a protective layer on the skin and holds in moisture. It helps dry, itchy or scaly skin, for example with eczema.
I
ItchingItching is an irritating sensation that makes you want to scratch or rub. It may affect one area or the whole body. Dry skin or a skin condition is often responsible, but itching can sometimes signal allergy, infection, parasites, a medicine reaction or liver, kidney or blood disease. Take extra care during pregnancy, or with breathlessness, swelling or rapidly worsening illness.