Dry skin is common and has a variety of causes, such as weather and certain health conditions. Typically, you can prevent or resolve the problem with some easy measures. Potassium overload can cause some symptoms involving the skin, but high or low potassium levels are not associated with dry skin.
Common Causes
Dry skin is often a winter problem, according to MayoClinic.com. The low humidity of cold temperatures can cause dry skin, and forced-air furnaces and other heating devices aggravate the situation by drying out interior air. In contrast, hot weather in arid regions also is associated with low humidity and dry skin. Other common causes of dry skin include sun exposure, taking frequent hot baths or showers and using harsh soap.
Health Conditions
Certain health conditions also can cause dry skin. If you have chronic dry skin, you may have a mild case of atopic dermatitis, a type of eczema, according to MayoClinic.com. Psoriasis is another disorder that causes dry skin, with a scaly accumulation of rough, dead cells. In addition, hypothyroidism, or low thyroid hormone levels, also causes rough, dry skin. Abnormal potassium levels, however, are not associated with dry skin.
Abnormal Potassium Levels
Low potassium levels, medically called hypokalemia, can produce symptoms of constipation, muscle weakness, muscle spasms, muscle cramps and fatigue. More serious symptoms may include an irregular heart rhythm, breakdown of muscle and paralysis. High potassium levels, known as hyperkalemia, can cause nausea, a slow or weak pulse and, as with hypokalemia, an irregular heartbeat. At an extreme, both conditions can be dangerous and even fatal.
Considerations
Taking potassium supplements without having your blood levels checked and without a doctor's supervision can be dangerous. Potassium supplements have some side effects and also can cause potassium blood levels to become too high. The supplements are not associated with dry skin, but one indication of a serious reaction to potassium supplements is cold, pale, gray skin, according to PubMed Health. This symptom while taking potassium calls for immediate medical attention.
Prevention/Solution
Unless you have another health disorder, you likely do not have problems with your potassium levels aside from a drop in potassium that can be caused by exercise. This typically is easily prevented or resolved with potassium-rich food such as a glass of orange juice or a banana, according to the Colorado State University Extension. To prevent or heal dry skin, drink plenty of water throughout the day, use a humidifier if the air is dry in your home, apply moisturizers and limit your soap usage as much as possible, suggests MayoClinic.com.
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