Dr. Koch’s Recommendations

One of the ways your skin protects itself is by producing natural oils from oil glands. Harsh soaps, high heat, hot water, and even dry air can strip these oils, resulting in dry skin. Dry skin is common in people with eczema or can develop as we age. The symptoms of dry skin include itching, flaking, and peeling skin. Below are some products to improve or treat dry skin.

Splitting or brittle nails, also known as “Onychorrhexis,” can manifest as nails with ridges, frequent splits or nails that break easily. This condition can be caused by various factors, such as frequent exposure to water or harsh chemicals, a nutritional deficiency or sometimes an underlying health issue. A topical nail strengthener can help restore the nails’ integrity. Below are two of our favorite nail products.

Dandruff, also called seborrheic dermatitis, can cause dry, flaky or itchy scalp. Overproduction of oil or yeast on the scalp or infrequent hair washing may be contributing factors. Medicated shampoos can often relieve these symptoms by decreasing buildup, decreasing the dandruff-causing organism and calming inflammation.

Androgenic Alopecia, also known as male or female pattern baldness, is the most common cause of hair loss and affects both men and women. It is caused by a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors, leading to the gradual miniaturization of hair follicles and eventually resulting in hair loss.

Keratosis Pilaris, often referred to as “chicken skin,” appears as small, rough bumps, typically on the arms, thighs, buttocks, and sometimes on the face. This condition occurs when keratin, a protein that protects the skin, clogs the pores on the skin, leading to the formation of these unfavorable bumps.

Hyperkeratosis occurs when there is an abnormal buildup of keratin, the tough, outer protein that protects the skin. This excessive keratin production leads to the formation of thickened areas, often appearing on the elbows, knees, heels, and other areas subjected to friction and pressure. Some of our favorite exfoliators for thick-skinned areas like the feet include Baby Foot and products with urea.

Intertrigo typically affects areas such as the groin, underarms, under the breasts, and skin folds. The combination of moisture, heat, and friction in these regions can create redness, irritation and sometimes even secondary infections. A cornstarch-based powder with fungus-fighting ingredients can be helpful for some people who are experiencing intertrigo. A barrier cream with zinc oxide can also help repair skin breakdown that is common in these areas.

Warts are small growths caused by the wart virus that can appear on various parts of the body, including the hands, feet, face, and genital area. They can be stubborn and challenging to treat, but with the right products and care, you can effectively manage and eliminate them. Exfoliating agents that contain salicylic acid can help in treating some warts.