It's the season for dry, itchy skin.

With the cold dry weather, not only have we been dealing with the snow, but many of us are also suffering from itchy outbreaks of eczema.

There are different types of eczema, but all of them cause itching and irritation. The dry, arid climate in Colorado provides the perfect condition for eczema outbreaks. However, other types of eczema could be caused by allergens or something you come into contact with.

Many patients seek a quick, one-time treatment, but eczema is a chronic condition that requires on-going maintenance.  All of us know that we have to continually care for our lawn. If you forget to apply weed killer or forget to water it, you know the lawn will suffer. There is no one treatment which keeps your lawn looking good forever. Eczema is the same way. You must continue to treat your skin to prevent outbreaks.

Over-the-counter methods for simple maintenance include using Cortisone cream for the itching, taking warm baths or showers (not hot), using fragrance-free creams and soaps, moisturizing immediately after bathing with a rich cream or petroleum jelly, and using a room humidifier during the dry winter months.

If you have tried these methods to no avail, prescription medications or other treatments are possible. Additionally, if the eczema is being caused by an allergen (contact dermatitis), Vanguard uses painless, needle-free patch tests to identify the cause. That allows you to remove the allergen and prevent outbreaks.