5 Ways to Prevent Scaly Skin

1. Address Possible Underlying Conditions

Scaly skin, also know as ichthyosis vulgaris or fish scale disease, can be inherited or acquired as a result of an underlying medical condition. Underlying medical conditions associated with scaly skin include eczema, fungal skin, psoriasis, scleroderma, pellagra and other skin-related immune dysfunctions. The condition may also occur as a symptom or complication of other diseases, such as acromegaly, actinic keratosis, allergies, breast cancer, lupus, erythroderma, dermatitis, lichen planus, myxedema, pediculosis, peripheral vascular disease or polycystic ovary disease.

Therefore, treating the underlying condition may help you prevent or treat scaly skin. If you experience scaly skin for an extended period of time and aren't sure what's causing it, consult your doctor to rule out potentially dangerous causes.

2. Use Emollients and Drink Water

A lack of skin hydration can lead to scaly skin. Drink plenty of fluids and use emollients such as lotions, oils, ointments or creams to reduce the risk of developing scaly skin. Individuals at risk for developing this condition should drink at least eight glasses of water per day and develop a hydrating skin-care regimen. You may be prescribed topical steroids or retinoids to help prevent the condition if you're in a high-risk group.

3. Reduce Bathing and Cleansing

Cleansing with hot water and soap washes off the surface layer of natural oils on your skin, resulting in dry skin an hour or so after bathing. Limit your showers to every other day or shorten them to just 5 to 10 minutes. After showering, apply hydrating creams or lotions to rehydrate and protect your skin.

4. Avoid Irritating Products and Conditions

To prevent scaly skin, stop using any products that may cause or exacerbate the condition, like harsh laundry detergents or soaps. Also avoid dry air, exposure to wind and over-washing. You may want to use a humidifier if you live in a dry climate or are exposed to dry heat in winter.

5. Preventing Scaly Skin Is Not Always Possible

Scaly skin is inherited in more than 95 percent of cases. Typically, it appears in early childhood. Unfortunately, there are no ways to prevent scaly skin in patients who have a genetic predisposition toward the condition, but these individuals can manage the condition by drinking plenty of fluids and treating their skin with soothing lotions.