Dry skin symptoms, treatment and care

Dry skin is usually not a serious skin diagnosis. In most cases, this skin condition is caused by factors such as hot or cold weather, low humidity or excessive use of hot water for hand washing. You can help your dry skin by using moisturizing creams , body lotions or a body wash designed for sensitive skin. You can also make small changes to your habits that can affect skin dryness.

However, sometimes dry skin is difficult to treat. In such cases, you may need the help of a dermatologist.

Symptoms

Symptoms of dry skin are usually temporary (eg in winter), but sometimes it can last a lifetime. The signs and symptoms of dry skin depend on your age, health, where you live, how much time you spend outdoors, and the cause of the problem. Dry skin can also cause some discomfort, such as:

• A feeling of tight skin, especially after showering
• Skin that feels and looks rough
• Itching
• Mild to severe scaling or peeling of the skin
• Small cracks
• Redness
• Deep cracks that may bleed

When to see a doctor

Eubos recommends consulting a doctor if:

• Despite your efforts, the condition of your skin is not improving

• The skin is usually red
• Dryness and itching interfere with sleep
• You have open skin infections from scratching
• Much of the skin flakes or peels

Reasons

Dry skin (xerosis) is often caused by environmental factors. Certain diseases can also severely affect your skin. Possible causes of dry skin include:

• Weather . Skin tends to be driest in winter when temperatures drop and humidity increases. But the season may not be as significant if you live in drier regions.
• Indoor heat . Central heating, wood-burning stoves, space heaters and fireplaces reduce humidity and dry out the skin.
• Hot baths and showers . A long hot shower or bath can dry out your skin. Frequent bathing, especially in pools that are cleaned with chlorine, has the same effect. We recommend reading Euba's article on how to protect your skin from drying out in the shower.
• Soaps and detergents that are not sensitive to the skin . Many popular soaps, cleansers, and shampoos strip moisture from your skin because they are designed to remove grease and oil. Therefore, we recommend choosing body washes , creams and lotions with glycerin.
• Other skin diseases . People with skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis (eczema) or psoriasis are prone to dry skin.
• You have a job that takes care of your skin frequent contact with water , such as a nurse or hairdresser.
• You bathe often in chlorinated pools .

Possible complications

Dry skin is usually not a serious diagnosis. But if the skin is not cared for, it can cause:

• Atopic dermatitis ( eczema ). If you are prone to similar skin diseases, excessive dryness can activate the disease, causing redness, cracks and inflammation.
• Infections . Dry skin can crack, allowing bacteria to cause infections.

These complications usually occur when your skin's normal defense mechanisms are severely compromised. For example, very dry skin can cause deep cracks that can open and bleed, creating a breeding ground for bacteria.

How to prevent dry skin?

Try these tips to keep your skin from getting too dry:

• Use moisturizing creams that protect the skin from dehydration.
• Avoid hot water .
• Wash off the soap or body wash with glycerin.
• Cover your skin in cold or windy weather. Skin can be especially dry in the winter, so be sure to wear a scarf, hat, and gloves when you go out.
• Wear rubber gloves when using chemical cleaners . If you have to immerse your hands in water or use alkaline cleaners, wear gloves to help protect your skin.