What does dry skin look and feel like?

Dry skin may cause:

Rough or flaky areas
Fine scale
Tightness
Itching
Cracking
Peeling
Redness or discoloration
Painful splits
Bleeding
An ashy or gray appearance on darker skin tones

The hands, lower legs, feet, arms and sides of the abdomen are commonly affected, although dryness can occur anywhere.

Repeated scratching may thicken the skin and increase the risk of infection.

What causes dry skin?

Possible causes include:

Cold weather
Low humidity
Indoor heating
Long, hot showers
Harsh soap
Frequent handwashing
Cleaning chemicals
Swimming-pool chemicals
Aging
Certain medications
Atopic dermatitis
Psoriasis
Thyroid disease
Diabetes
Kidney disease

More than one factor may be involved.

When should dry skin be evaluated?

Schedule an examination when dryness:

Does not improve with regular moisturizing
Interferes with sleep
Causes deep cracks or bleeding
Covers a large area
Becomes painful
Develops oozing, crusting or swelling
Begins after a new medication
Occurs with other unexplained symptoms

A rash that appears dry may actually be eczema, psoriasis, ringworm or allergic contact dermatitis.

How is excessively dry skin treated?

Treatment is based on the cause and severity.

Your plan may include:

A thick fragrance-free cream or ointment
A prescription barrier-repair moisturizer
Topical anti-inflammatory medication
Medication to relieve itching
Treatment for infection
Changes to bathing and cleansing
Evaluation for an underlying medical condition

Creams and ointments generally retain more moisture than thin lotions.

What skin care helps relieve dryness?

Bathe or shower with lukewarm water and limit the amount of time spent in the water. Use a mild fragrance-free cleanser only where needed.

Gently pat the skin dry and apply moisturizer while the skin remains slightly damp. Reapply it throughout the day, particularly after washing your hands.

Wear gloves when cleaning or working with water and protect exposed skin during cold or windy weather.

Schedule a dry-skin consultation

Dry, itchy skin can have many causes and may require more than an over-the-counter lotion. The Dermatology Clinic can identify contributing factors and create a personalized plan to restore and protect your skin barrier. Contact us today to get scheduled.