Dry skin affects nearly everyone for various reasons. It is often characterized by flaking, itching, cracking, roughness, dullness and sometimes a red rash with or without bumps. Scratching or rubbing dry skin can only exacerbate the problem. The University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics points out that some individuals may notice that fine wrinkles and lines appear more prominently on dry skin. When extremely dry skin cracks, it can bleed and become quite painful. Persistent dry skin can lead to complications, such as skin infection with scabbing and pus. Depending on the cause of dry, itchy skin, many treatments and/or preventive measures can ease the discomfort.
Soaps and Chemicals
The use or overuse of soaps and harsh chemicals can lead to dry skin. The University of Iowa explains that such chemicals remove the protective skin oils that trap moisture against the skin. When these oils are removed, the skin is exposed to the air and can become dry or irritated. Minimizing or avoiding such chemicals and using a hydrating lotion can prevent and treat dry skin. Cleansing products marked as mild or unscented are best for use with dry, itchy skin. Merck suggests that using medications with additives can also cause side effects of dry, itchy skin. Some common culprits include morphine, aspirin and any drug to which a person is allergic.
Hot Water
Hot water can cut through the skin's natural oils that keep the tissues lubricated. The University of Iowa likened it to using hot water to cut grease in a skillet--the hot water can liquefy skin oils to make them easy to remove. Showering or bathing in cooler water can help minimize this drying effect water has on the skin.
Aging
As we age, our bodies slow down their production of protective skin oils. This natural aging process requires the use of lotions and creams to replenish the skin's moisture and protect it from itching and scaling.
Environment
Prolonged exposure to dry air, such as that found in homes using central heating units during the winter, can cause dry, itchy skin. Tanning, both indoor and outdoor, can dry the skin rapidly and lead to itching and scaling. Adding moisture to the air and to the skin can prevent and treat this condition. A household humidifier can be very effective in replenishing the air's moisture. Tanning should be limited--even avoided--to maintain skin health. Prolonged exposure to the sun that results in sunburn should be treated with a burn salve to rapidly replenish the skin's hydration.
Internal Causes
A lack of water in the body, called dehydration, can lead to dryness of the external skin. This is the result of the body conserving water for more essential functions, such as blood flow and urinary tract processes. The Mayo Clinic points out that liver disease, celiac disease (malabsorption of wheat), kidney failure, iron deficiency anemia, thyroid problems and certain cancers can have side effects that include dry, itchy skin.
Skin Stretching
When the skin stretches, the surface area is larger but the production of protective skin oils does not change. This condition occurs most often during pregnancy, when a woman's skin stretches and becomes very dry and itchy. Continued use of hydrating creams and lotions can help this dry skin condition, but it usually resolves once the skin returns to normal size.
Scratching
Merck points out that itchy skin creates a vicious cycle of itching and then scratching, which creates more itching. It is best to avoid scratching any dry or itchy patches of skin. Instead of itching, use hydrating lotions or treat the underlying condition, such as using an antihistamine for allergy-induced itching.
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