(HealthDay News) -- Skin requires frequent preventive care to ward off conditions such as dermatitis (sometimes called eczema).

Here are suggestions on how to prevent dry skin, courtesy of the Cleveland Clinic:

• Don't take baths or showers that are too hot. Keep the water lukewarm.
• Take short baths or showers of only five to 10 minutes.
• As soon as you get out of the shower or finish washing your hands, apply a skin moisturizer.
• Use soaps that are moisturizing.
• During winter months, try a heavier cream or moisturizer to protect skin. You can use a light lotion in the hot summer months.

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