Dr. LeAnne DeTar Newbert
The cold winter weather, including the recent record snowfall, is playing havoc on most people’s skin. When outdoors, winds can make moisture evaporate faster. But even indoors can be challenging for healthy skin. Indoor heating is dry and skin becomes dry more easily than in humid summer weather.
Dr. LeAnne DeTar Newbert, a family practice doctor at Providence Care Basehor, reminds patients that people with diabetes are especially prone to having dry skin.
“The older people get, the drier the skin gets,” she said. “The glands in the skin get smaller and begin vanishing. This diminishes the ability to hydrate.”
Dr. DeTar Newbert recommende several tips for protecting your skin to diminish the scratching and possible problems with skin breakdown and infection. “
A humidifier can replace lost indoor moisture,” she said. “Small inexpensive ones can be purchased and used to humidify one room.”
Hot water leaches moisture from the skin, so Dr. DeTar Newbert recommends taking warm or lukewarm baths or showers.
“Apply moisturizer to damp skin,” she said. “Use a good, oil-based emollient cream or ointment for hands and feet. Also, avoid scrubbing with body sponges or wash-cloths.”
Before going outside, Dr. DeTar Newbert recommends applying sunscreen to the face, hands and other skin that will be exposed.
“And grab those gloves!” she said. “Protecting hands from wind and wet is essential.” By applying a moisturizer before leaving the house and dressing in layers, you can also help prevent sweating and drying out the skin.
“You can remove a layer one at a time if you start to get overheated,” she said. “Also, remember to remove wet clothes and shoes immediately.”
Dr. DeTar Newbert is board certified in family medicine and received her medical degree from the University of Kansas School Medicine. She completed her residency at the University of Kansas Department of Family Medicine, as well as a fellowship in Chapel Hill, N.C. Medicine was a calling for Dr. DeTar Newbert who has assembled medical teams for medical missions throughout the world. She also serves as an elder at the First Christian Church in Bonner Springs.
Providence Care Basehor, located at 15604 Pinehurst Drive in Basehor, Kan., is part of the Providence Care network of physician practices which includes Providence Care Bonner Springs, Providence Care Tonganoxie and Associates in Family Healthcare in Lansing, Kan. This group of primary care physicians shares knowledge and resources to deliver high-quality, compassionate care.
Dr. DeTar Newbert provides a comprehensive range of care including pediatric and adult care, preventive medicine, gynecology, minor procedures/surgery, vaccination and laboratory services. The practice offers same day and next day appointments. For more information call 913-728-2200.