Although dry skin isn't generally a sign of a serious problem, it can become an uncomfortable nuisance, especially if it is severe. Most cases of dry skin can be treated at home rather than requiring invasive treatments, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, you may need to visit a doctor or dermatologist if your extremely dry skin persists despite your best efforts to treat it or if it is accompanied by other unexplained symptoms.
Lifestyle Changes
You may need no other treatment if you alter some habits that may be causing or contributing to your extremely dry skin. Begin by turning down the heat in the shower and limiting the time you spend in the shower to 15 minutes; hot water and too much exposure to water can deplete your skin of its natural oils, says the Mayo Clinic. Also, use gentle moisturizing soap on your skin and wash your clothes with dye- and fragrance-free laundry detergent. Finally, use a humidifier in your home to keep your skin moisturized, recommends the Mayo Clinic.
Moisturizers
Dab your skin with a towel after you wash it and immediately follow up with a thick moisturizer, recommends the Mayo Clinic. Moisturizers that contain lactic acid or urea can be particularly helpful in helping your skin hold onto water, says the American Academy of Dermatology. If you don't notice an improvement in your skin with creams, use an oil such as coconut or baby oil, as it will be a potent protective barrier against loss of moisture, says the Mayo Clinic.
Prescriptions
If you have itchy, red patches of skin, you may have a condition called dermatitis that could require extra treatment. The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics recommends using a topical cortisone ointment or cream for five to 15 days to treat dermatitis. Although over-the-counter versions can help, you will likely need a prescription strength ointment or cream if your skin is extremely dry. If your extremely dry skin begins to develop cracks, your doctor might prescribe astringent wet dressings to help prevent infection and diminish secretions, says the Mayo Clinic.
Warning
Other than cortisone cream, over-the-counter creams and lotions that promise to suppress itch and reduce inflammation may lead to irritation or allergic reactions in dry and dermatitic skin, according to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. If a product causes your skin to itch and burn more than before, stop using it and discuss the problem with your doctor, says the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
Treating Underlying Conditions
Persistent, extreme dry skin may be caused by an underlying condition that requires its own treatment. Psoriasis, for example, is a skin disease that involves rapid dead skin cell buildup. Another condition that may cause skin dryness is underproduction of thyroid hormones; hormone therapy or other lifestyle changes may be necessary to help reduce that condition, says the Mayo Clinic.
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