Winter dry skin

[Walrodas]

My entire body itches when I get hot, without scratching I get red dots all over my lower arms. I think I have winter dry skin, i can't even sleep at nights because of the itchiness.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to dry skin or urticaria. Dry skin usually results from environmental factors that you can wholly or partially control. These include hot or cold weather with low humidity levels, long-term use of air conditioning or central heating, and washing or bathing too much.

Use a mild cleanser with moisturizing properties like Cetaphil. Also use cotton clothes and change the clothes twice if there is any increased sweating. Try keeping the skin free of sweat as far as possible. If the symptoms still persist then you can apply mild steroid like dermacort. For the itching antihistaminics like Benadryl or Claritin can be taken.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[BeeFree]

Yeah, I know that feeling. I used to sit on my heaters because I was a bone rack and used to get so cold during the winters! And the itchiness would come on and soon as I felt warm. The best remedy for me (besides avoiding heat) was to make sure I slathered baby oil or a heavy moisturizer all over my body when I got out of the shower. Let yourself air dry for a couple minutes before dressing.  
Exfoliating while you're in the shower will rid your body of any excess skin cells so the lotion can penetrate deeper.
If you can, try not to shower with very hot water as it completely parches your skin.
Stay hydrated as well.
Keep this as a routine to get you through the winter, and to help you sleep at night!
All the best,

Brittany