Sudden dry skin in the facial area comes on quickly but may have been in the works for a long time. Because your skin has self-renewal abilities, damage from sun exposure and natural aging may not be apparent until decades later. Similarly, the development of allergies over time may seem to "suddenly" result in a skin problem. Some environmental factors do cause sensitive skin to dry rapidly. If you or your child is suffering from sudden dry skin in the face, find out more about the possible reasons and probable cures.
Causes
Environmental causes include sunburn, windburn and exposure to extreme temperatures or low humidity. Lifetime heavy sun exposure is another. Some substances that you have contact with, such as strong soaps, cosmetics, household cleaners and pool chlorine, irritate sensitive skin or cause allergies that make skin dry. Rare disorders such as hypothyroidism and ichthyosis count skin dryness among other symptoms. If your child has sudden dry skin, it may be a skin problem common to babies called atopic dermatitis. Symptoms of this form of eczema are triggered by allergies and most often affect the face.
Effects
Dry facial skin can become further irritated very easily because it is more delicate than body skin. Dryness may be accompanied by roughness, redness, shriveling, flaking, cracking, itching and peeling. If you scratch this inflamed, sensitive skin, you may break the surface and draw blood. Infection is possible, and even permanent skin damage.
Time Frame
Symptoms of atopic dermatitis in children may come and go until disappearing completely by age 2. Atopic dermatitis can also resurface in the teen years or persist into adulthood. Your skin problem may be temporary if an isolated event is behind it, such as severe sunburn or exposure of sensitive skin to a new cosmetic. The resulting eczema condition is known as contact dermatitis. With treatment, dry skin symptoms due to eczema or environmental causes usually fade or become manageable within two to four weeks.
Treatment
Reducing inflammation and pain are primary goals, as well as avoiding re-exposure to any known irritants or allergens. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests cleansing and moisturizing daily---skipping even the mildest soap if skin is red or broken. Fingertips should be used to gently cleanse the face, followed by fragrance-free moisturizing lotion. You can relieve dryness by applying moisturizer up to four times a day.
Considerations
Severe skin problems that don't start to improve with treatment should be diagnosed by a dermatologist. You may have other complications or need prescription medication to control skin inflammation and dryness.
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