"If dry skin is present and persists despite treatment, or if new symptoms develop, talk to your health care provider."
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Charles Howie, M.D., Board Certified Dermatologist, has been diagnosing and treating skin conditions with a special interest in skin lesions that may be of a cancerous nature for almost 40 years.
His office hours are 8:00AM-4:00PM, Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Patients may self refer or make appointments through another physicianreferral. Most insurance plans are accepted.
Call (231) 796-3200 for an appointment. |
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Healthy Skin Tips for the Winter
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With cold weather here, some of us experience unpleasant dry skin that can cause itching, cracks, and other irritations. The lack of moisture in the skin causes irritation in the winter called Asteatosis or Winter Itch.
Dermatologist, Charles Howie, M.D. from Mecosta Health Services, offers tips for protecting your skin this winter:
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Choose moisturizers and lubricants that are fragrance free and contain Alpha Hydroxy Acid. This will help remove the dryness of the skin.
- Apply moisturizers and lubricants as soon as you get out of the shower, while your skin is still slightly damp, andrepeatedly throughout the day.
- Use over-the-counter or prescribed cortisone creams to reduce inflammation.
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- Reduce your exposure to water because water increases the dryness of your ski. Take shorter baths with tepid water. When you go outside don't forget to wear gloves - preferably cotton because they will reduce changes in the skin due to moisture.
If you plan on being active outside you will want to wear a sun lotion with at least an SPF of 30. This will come in handy if you are ice fishing, snow boarding, skiing, etc. Snow reflects the sun and sun damage can exist in the winter. although it's so cold, it can be just as damaging.
The use of a humidifier may help if the air is very dry.
With these tips, your skin should be on the right track to being safe from the winter weather. If dry skin is present and persists despite treatment,
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or if new symptoms develop, talk to your health care provider.
Other Quick Tips:
- Maximize Fruit and Veggie intake
- Participate in physical activities. Physical activity helps tone, improve circulation, and reduce stress.
- Use humidifiers in winter
- Drink 6-8 glasses of H2O per day
- Get daily supply of Vitamin B - helps maintain healthy skin
- Get daily supply of Vitamin C - prevents tissue damage
- Get daily supply of Vitamin E - improves circulation
- Reduce your intake of over-processed foods as well as bleached flour & sugars
- Reduce chocolate and nut consumption
- Smoking, stress, dry air, and lack of exercise cause unhealthy skin.
(Continued.. page 2) 
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