Winter can be hard on us in many ways, but an often neglected winter ailment is dry skin. Dr. Jennifer Palmer of Iowa Dermatology, Incorporated in Pella says exposure to wind and cold, dry air from furnaces and hot showers are all causes of dry skin in the winter. Dr. Palmer recommends wearing gloves and protective outerwear outdoors, setting up a humidifier at home, and using thick, creamy lotions that do not contain alcohol as ways to combat itchy, dry skin.