What helps against dry legs?

In HLN, Dr Griet Voet and dermatologist Ingrid van Riet give advice on dry legs after winter. The skin on the legs has few sebaceous glands, and cold outdoor air and dry indoor air make this worse. Children, menopausal women and older people are also more often affected.

Dr Voet starts with prevention: short, not too hot showers, no long hot baths, and showering less often if you have sensitive skin. According to her, petroleum jelly, oils and butters mainly leave a layer on the skin without really hydrating it; a cream works better. With eczema, scrub only occasionally and with a suitable product. She generally finds pharmacy products more effective. Summer does the skin good, but only with sun protection.

• Take short, not too hot showers and avoid long hot baths.

• Choose a moisturising cream rather than oils or butters.

• With eczema, scrub only occasionally, with a suitable product.

• Apply sunscreen when you expose your legs to the sun.

Want to know more? Read about Allergies and eczema at Clinique Dermatologie Gent.