Dry skin can make your skin feel irritated and itchy. Although certain drugs and medical conditions can lead to dry skin, the condition is often a result of lifestyle and environmental factors. Many products are available to help address this problem. If you are unable to treat dry skin on your own, you might need the assistance of a dermatologist.
Causes
Finding the underlying cause of dry skin often leads to a remedy. For instance, a lack of humidity caused by central heating and air conditioning systems can result in dry skin. Using a humidifier can resolve the issue. Harsh soaps can cause dry skin as well and should be avoided. Hot baths and showers strip skin of moisture, so bathe in lukewarm water instead.
Home Therapies
Moisturizing will be the most effective way to treat dry skin. Use a thick moisturizing cream to keep the area smooth. Baby oil also can be smoothed into dry skin. To help keep moisture in the skin, these products should be applied immediately after bathing. Drinking a plenty of water--six to eight glasses per day--can help relieve dry skin as well.
Medical Treatment
If home remedies fail, a doctor might recommend more aggressive treatment to combat dry skin. Hydrocortisone lotions can be topically applied to cracked and dry skin. With cracked areas that are caused by dryness, your doctor might recommend wet dressings that moisturize the area and help prevent infection.
Considerations
Psoriasis is a medical condition with symptoms that include dry skin, scaling and itching. It is a chronic disorder that has periods of remission. With psoriasis, cortisone creams and small amounts of sunlight are used to diminish the severity of dry skin symptoms.
Warning
If you have serious or chronic dry skin, see a doctor for treatment, because complications can occur as a result of the condition. Eczema causes chronic redness and cracking in patients and can result from untreated dry skin. Cellulitis also can occur if bacteria are able to enter the tissue beneath the skin.
Member Comments