Dry, flaky skin can signal a number of health problems. You might just need to change a few personal hygiene habits that are drying your skin. You also might suffer from a chronic skin condition. Or, it could be a symptom of more serious internal problems. If your dry skin persists after you try making changes at home, or if it's so irritating that it's keeping you up at night, visit your doctor or dermatologist.
Hygiene Habits
Your bathing routine might be causing your dry skin. Limit your baths or showers to 15 minutes or less, and bathe only once per day. Use lukewarm water instead of hot water. Switch out your deodorant soap for a moisturizing soap. If you still need deodorant soap, use it only in necessary areas, such as the underarms, genitals and feet. Use a moisturizing cream after showering. The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology recommends Cetaphil cream, Mosturel cream or Eucerin cream. Pat yourself gently dry with a towel rather than harsh rubbing to leave moisture on your skin.
Weather
Low humidity often is the culprit behind dry, flaky skin. When both the temperature and the humidity drops in the winter, this can multiply the effect, which is why dry, flaky skin often is called "winter itch." The heat from your central heating system, particularly forced-air furnaces, will further dry out your skin. This also applies to the summer months if you live in a low-humidity, desert climate. Consider adding a moisturizing oil to your bathing regime if you suffer from extremely dry skin during certain seasons. Using a humidifier in your home might help as well, and be sure to drink plenty of water.
Skin Conditions
Your dry skin might stem from a skin condition. You might have atopic eczema, a chronic skin disorder in which your skin is hypersensitive to irritants. This condition is most common in babies, but it follows some of us to adulthood. Your doctor can administer a skin allergy test to help pinpoint a cause. Moisturizers and prescription creams can treat your skin, and over-the-counter antihistamines might relieve the itching. Psoriasis also can cause dry skin, though it's usually accompanied by red, scaly patches. You also could have a potentially more serious condition called ichthyosis vulgaris. This disorder, sometimes called fish scale disease, has no cure, but doctors can prescribe creams and ointments to keep it under control.
Other Conditions
Dry skin could be a symptom of another underlying condition. Hypothyroidism, for example, can cause dry skin, according to MayoClinic.com. If you have this condition, your thyroid is not producing enough hormones, which means your sweat glands are not able to produce enough moisture for your skin. Kidney disease also can cause dry skin. If you are undergoing dialysis, your oil glands are less functional. The problem also might stem from your diet. Certain vitamin deficiencies, particularly vitamin A, can cause dry skin.
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