Remedies for Chapped Skin

Chapped skin can be painful to the touch and very itchy, but the more you scratch, the more damage you will do to your skin. Luckily, there are several remedies that will relieve you of the discomfort associated with chapped skin.

Moisturize

Moisturizing chapped skin regularly will help relieve the discomfort associated with the condition. After each bath or shower, apply bath oil to the affected area. Avoid using baby oil, as it tends to sit on the skin’s surface rather than penetrate the layers to lock in moisture. Use a gentle body lotion every one to two hours to help keep skin hydrated.

Keep Skin Dry

Keep chapped skin as dry as possible, as repeated exposure to water strips it of its natural oils. While washing your hands and showering are unavoidable, activities such as swimming should be limited or avoided while skin is chapped.

Crisco

An effective home remedy for chapped skin is using Crisco shortening as a moisturizer. The greasy substance helps lock in moisture and prevent water from further drying out the area. Apply a small amount—just enough so that no greasy residue is left on the skin.

Humidifier

Humidifiers are a common aid in helping reduce or improve chapped skin. These machines work by keeping the air moist, which will help rehydrate the affected skin and prevent future outbreaks.