1. Soap can be extremely drying.  Deodorant soaps, Ivory® and Dial®, are particularly drying.  Use as little soap as possible, mainly in areas that may have odor problems such as underarms, groin, feet and hands.  Dove® soap is less drying for these areas.  You may want to use Cetaphil® lotion as a soap alternative (more expensive than Dove®, available in most drug stores, some discount stores).  Avoid soap in areas where you have itching and scaling.  Also avoid using soap for shaving - especially on the legs.  An alternative is a moisturizing shaving lotion (i.e. Soft Shave®).

2. Frequent showers and baths dry the skin as well.  If possible, limit these to every other day or less and take sponge baths in between (less drying).  The hotter the water you use in the bath or shower, the more it will dry your skin.  Amount of time in water also affects the skin; limit showers to less than five minutes if possible.  When swimming, rinse chlorine or salt water off the skin promptly to avoid additional irritation.

3. After bathing, avoid vigorous rubbing with your towel.  Pat dry and apply a good emollient cream such Eucerin® or Nivea® while the skin is still damp to trap in moisture.

4. If you have been given a medicated cream or ointment to use on the itchy, scaly areas, always put it under any emollient/moisturizer you use.  If you put it on top of the emollient it will not penetrate to the skin and will not work as well for you.