Dry skin is a common condition that can affect anyone. It may range in severity from a slightly obnoxious itch to red and painful conditions that require medical treatment. In order to reduce dryness on skin and prevent it from intensifying in the future, it's important to understand what has caused it, eliminate triggers and seek medical advice, if necessary.
Signs and Symptoms
Dryness on skin can lead to a feeling of skin tightness, particularly after skin has been exposed to bath, shower or pool water. Other symptoms may include skin that looks dehydrated or shrunken, skin that feels rough and skin that is red, flaking, peeling or scaling, according to the Mayo Clinic. In some cases, dry skin develops lines or cracks that turn into deep, bleeding crevices.
Causes
When the outermost skin layer, called the stratum corneum, loses its natural protective oils, water is able to escape through the skin, according to the University of Iowa Health Care. The stratum corneum may dry due to exposure to harsh chemicals in soaps, sun exposure, a dry climate, excess bathing, the aging process and skin conditions such as psoriasis, leaving underlying skin cells exposed to environmental irritants and germs.
Risks
If dry skin isn't properly treated, it may lead to a condition known as atopic dermatitis, or eczema, which causes skin cracking and inflammation. Other conditions associated with lack of dry skin care are folliculitis, which is inflammation of hair follicles, and cellulitis, which is a potentially serious infection of underlying skin tissues that may eventually reach the lymphatic system and the blood vessels, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Treatment
Most of the time, dryness on skin can be remedied with basic lifestyle adjustments. Limiting shower or bath time and making sure to use tepid instead of hot water can protect the skin from drying out. Using a gentle cleanser rather than a harsh soap with dyes and perfumes can reduce skin dryness. Also, applying a moisturizer lotion, cream or ointment directly after showering and a few more times throughout the day can help to seal in water. Other techniques to keep skin moisturized include wearing natural fibers, using a humidifier in your home and applying a cream that contains 1 percent hydrocortisone.
When to See a Doctor
If your skin dryness doesn't seem to be alleviated by home remedies, you may want to consult a doctor who can prescribe a medication for your dry skin or for any underlying conditions. The Mayo Clinic also recommends seeing a doctor if your dry skin is red, if dryness and itching interfere with your sleeping, if your scratching has led to open wounds or infections or if your skin has large areas of peeling or scaling.
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