Q, I was afflicted with the same winter itching problem, mostly on my lower legs just above the ankles and my abdomen at the waistline. I heard a dermatologist on the radio recommend lotions containing urea as the most effective skin moisturizer. I tried one called Uremol which contains 10% urea (a highly hydrophilic compound) and haven't looked back - it worked beautifully. I have since recommended it to many people and everyone now swears by it. This year I started using olive oil based soap just by chance and so far my winter itching problem has not yet surfaced so I will keep on using it and see if that helps.