How can I treat dry, scaly, and itchy skin?

Q: Dear Dr. O'Donoghue, I am constantly battling dry, scaly, and itchy skin. How can I treat this? - J.T.

A: Dear J.T.,  Dry skin is the result of an evaporation of water from the upper skin layers. To replace this loss apply thick moisturizers immediately after bathing to wet skin and then gently blot dry, don’t rub. Limit your bathing to no more than 10 minutes daily and avoid very hot water.