1. Home Remedies
Often, your xerosis (dry skin) can be successfully treated at home simply by changing routines and hydrating your body more. Drink plenty of fluids (water is best) and use a humidifier, especially during winter months. Shorten your showers and baths, bathe less often, gently pat dry and apply a moisturizer right away. These simple steps can often be all you need to cure your dry skin.
However, if you are treating your dry skin at home but are having trouble getting good results after at least two weeks; or if the symptoms are so severe that you can't sleep, areas have become infected or you've had a sudden onset of symptoms, your doctor can help. By asking about your bathing and lifestyle habits your doctor may be able to determine if there are things you can change. She may be able to suggest new ways of bathing, specific over-the-counter creams, changes to your diet and more.
2. Testing, Testing
To treat severe or persistent xerosis, you may need the help of your doctor. Left untreated, dry skin can lead to more serious conditions such as infections or dermatitis. Your doctor will discuss your medical and family histories and any information you can provide about how and when your dry skin developed. He will do a physical exam and possibly conduct diagnostic tests such as blood tests. These tests can help you and your doctor dtermine whether the dry skin is a symptom of another condition, which can then be treated directly.
Sometimes your doctor will diagnose the dry skin as a result of normal aging or hormonal changes. But it's important to discover the root of your dry skin so that a more serious condition does not go unnoticed. Some of these other possible conditions are hyperthyroidism, psoriasis, diabetes, asteatotic eczema, eating disorders, keratosis pilaris or ichthyosis vulgaris.
3. Prescriptions and Special Creams
Depending on what symptoms your xerosis is causing, your doctor may prescribe one or more medications. If you are experiencing severe itchiness, you may be prescribed antihistamines. If your skin is irritated, it may be a reaction of your immune system and there are medications and creams that can help control it. Or your doctor may prescribe a stronger cortisone cream than you can get over the counter to treat inflammation and itchiness. Other creams your doctor may prescribe are those containing urea, alpha-hydroxy or beta-hydroxy acids or propylene glycol.
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