It is important to recognize and practice the basic principles of good daily skin care.  This is a chronic problem and you will probably always have dry, sensitive, easily irritated skin.  Hydration is the key to therapy.

1. Take at least one bath or shower per day using warm, not hot, water for at least 15-20 minutes.  Except for the genital and axillary areas, washcloths should not be used due to their abrasiveness.
2. Use only a gentle cleansing bar or wash such as Dove®, Oil of Olay®, Basis®, Eucerin®, Cetaphil®, Oilatum®, Neutrogena®, Purpose®, Aveeno®, or Moisturel®.  During a severe flare-up, you may choose to use cleansers just in areas where they are needed.
3. Gently pat away excess water and immediately apply moisturizer or the special skin medications prescribed for you onto your damp skin.  This will seal in the water and make the skin less dry and itchy.
4. Apply a good moisturizer such as Aquaphor®, Aquaphilic® ointment, Eucerin® cream, Vanicream®, Moisturel® cream or lotion, Cetaphil® cream or lotion, Elta®, Nutraderm® or Neutrogena®.  Apply the moisturizer throughout the day whenever the skin feels dry or itchy.  Do not use lotions or creams with perfume or preservatives in them, because they will dry the skin further.