Dry skin, known medically as xerosis, is a skin condition that is experienced by most people at some point in their lives. Moderately dry skin results from dry or windy weather conditions, especially during winter months, and also from hormonal changes as the body ages. Extremely dry skin must be examined by a medical professional to rule out diseases.
Symptoms
The Mayo Clinic notes that symptoms of dry skin include rough scaling, patches of skin that encourage itching, and areas of peeling or flaking skin. Fine cracks or thin lines signal dried skin. Skin that lacks moisture may also turn red, appear dehydrated, and feel tight to the touch, especially after a bath or shower.
Causes of Dry Skin
Extremely hot showers and baths, drying soaps, sun exposure, household heating and cooling, and weather all contribute to minor dry skin problems. Hair care products and makeup also create dry skin conditions. Weather is a major dry skin culprit during low-humidity winters and in extremely dry desert climates.
Keratosis pilaris, which creates dry, rough patches and bumps, can occur on any part of the body. These patches are usually the same color as the skin, but may also appear as shades of red, according to the Mayo Clinic. Ichthyosis vulgaris, popularly known as fish skin, is identified by dry, thick skin scales. Various types of eczema also cause dry skin, usually identifiable by tiny but visible cracks. Psoriasis creates dry, silvery scales on the skin.
Basic Treatments
Basic dry skin treatment begins with an evaluation of the skin and products used for daily grooming. Commonly used soaps, including antibacterial and deodorant products, contribute to over-drying and remove natural oils from lubricating the outer layers of skin. Substituting a mild soap and bathing only in lukewarm water are important first steps to eliminating dry skin.
The Mayo Clinic recommends using moisturizers to restore elasticity to the skin. Look for moisturizers with urea and lactic acid for the most effective treatment. Apply lotion immediately after bathing, while the skin is still damp, to lock in the skin moisture. Thick lotions, and even baby oil, are recommended for people with dryer skin.
Wear natural fabrics. Synthetics trap air between the fiber and the skin and may aggravate the skin, while cottons and silks allow it to breathe. Avoid laundry detergents with perfumes and dyes that also create drying conditions.
Advanced Treatments
Keratosis pilaris, ichthyosis vulgaris, eczemas and psoriasis require professional treatment and evaluation by a trained medical doctor or dermatologist. Prescription moisturizing lotions containing hydrocortisone help many sufferers with these conditions.
Considerations
Dry skin can be a signal of a significant medical problem, such as psoriasis or thyroid disorders. The Mayo Clinic recommends a dermatologist consultation for extreme dry skin conditions. An inherited disease known as ichthyosis creates dry skin, as do psychological disorders that cause people to wash excessively. Dry skin disorders are also linked to employment in workplaces that expose workers to chemicals or cleansers. The American Diabetes Association warns that nearly 33 percent of diabetics display skin disorders, including dry skin and itching. A dermatologist is trained to identify common causes and is also skilled in testing for more complicated contributing dry skin causes.
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