Dry skin makes the skin look rough and flaky. Too much water evaporates from the skin, causing it to lose its natural oil and moisture. Dry skin has a number of different causes, including certain medications, poor diet, allergies or eczema. Not getting enough sleep can also cause dry skin. Dry skin is more common in adults than kids because it takes time for the body to start producing less oil as we age.
Symptoms:
1- The skin appears pale and flaky.
2- It is not uncommon for bumps to appear.
3- The skin feels tight, making wrinkles look deeper.
4- At the end of the day, the skin is red and irritated.
5- There are a number of itching symptoms.
6- The skin feels tight and uncomfortable.
7- It is also possible for blisters to appear.
8- The skin is dry, making it crack and peel off in certain areas.
9- There may be a more serious form of dry skin called eczema, which will lead to inflammation of the skin and blisters with oozing of fluid.
When to see a doctor?
If the skin is cracked or peeling off, you should see a doctor. If dry skin appears on the face and is painful, do not try to treat it at home, as this can get worse. Cold and flu season has started in most parts of the country, so if there are any symptoms that could point to an illness like this even though your skin may be dry and flaky now, see a doctor immediately.
When the flaky skin is accompanied by symptoms like fever or blisters, eczema, or itching that does not go away with lotion use (like your skin reacts badly when you apply moisturizers) then you should see a doctor.
Causes:
1- Certain medications like certain antibiotics, diuretics and other blood pressure medications.
2- Wearing clothes that do not breathe like wool and polyester can make the skin dry.
3- The weather is the first cause of dry skin. Colder climate makes the skin dry because it loses water quicker than a naturally oily skin. Too much sun exposure also dries out the skin a lot.
4- Taking very hot showers or baths without any added moisture can also lead to dryness on the surface of your body.
5- Eating a diet low in calories and protein is another cause of dry skin.
6- There are certain medicines that can make the skin dry because they interfere with the production of natural oils. These medications include blood pressure medication and other pills for diabetes, cholesterol or high blood pressure.
Above all, some people have naturally dry skin because it is an inherited trait or their genes have changed over time, so you should consult a doctor if your parents also had dry skin.
Risk factors:
1- Obesity is a factor.
2- Stress can make the skin more dry.
3- Using the drug Accutane during your teen years or early adult years.
4- Certain foods can make you prone to dry skin. Spicier food is also less moisturizing than bland foods, so stick to salads and fruits and vegetables when you want to keep your skin moist. Dry skin can also be caused by certain diseases like lupus, leukemia and other disorders of the immune system.
Diagnosis:
1- The doctor will look at your skin surface to see if it is dry, thick or scaly.
2- The doctor will check for any signs of illness using tests like blood tests and skin biopsies.
3- If the skin is scaly or dry, a biopsy on the surface layer of the skin may be suggested to see if there is a disease causing it. Other tests like blood and urine tests are then needed to find out what could be causing health problems.
Treatment:
1- To treat dry skin, you will need to moisturize it. A simple way to do this is to use a simple lotion or cream and rub it on the skin after a shower.
2- You could also use cream after a bath to moisturize the skin. Make sure that you do not use any soap or any detergent on your skin.
3- If you have eczema then there are medicines that can be used to treat it, but you may have to see a doctor frequently because it is an inflammatory condition and it can get worse with time.
The following skin treatments can be used as a preventative measure:
1- A simple method of keeping the skin healthy is by following a good diet and exercising regularly. This includes eating well, getting enough rest and not smoking.
2. Use moisturizers, which are specially made for dry skin.
3. Avoid taking new types of medication without consulting a doctor, as this can cause dryness on the skin.
4- If you use barrier creams that prevent water loss and keep the skin moist, you should use them regularly to keep the skin healthy.
5- Keep your nails short so they do not scratch your skin and irritate it.
6- To treat dryness on the body and legs, there is a product called hydrocortisone cream that can be used to make the skin feel softer and more comfortable.
7. If the skin on your head or scalp becomes dry, there are specially made products that can be used to help it feel less dry.
8. Avoid wearing wool and synthetic clothes because they do not breathe and make the skin dry.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
Daily routines such as washing clothes and sheets, bathing and patting dry the skin will help keep it from getting too dry.
Common over-the-counter lotions include:
"Oatmeal and Honey Lotion"
Dry Skin Oatmeal and Honey Lotion is an excellent moisturizer for skin that is very dry. Apply a small amount to the entire body after bathing or showering. This lotion absorbs quickly into a warm skin leaving the skin refreshingly soft. The oatmeal in this moisturizer gives you healthy, shiny skin. Mix two tablespoons oats with one tablespoon honey in a small bowl and store covered in the refrigerator until needed. Before use, allow to reach room temperature.
"Lorna Kinard's Skin Hydrating Lotion"
This lotion combines natural ingredients with moisturizing agents to create a gentle, skin-healing product that is suitable for even the most sensitive skin. This lotion treats dry, itchy or broken skin and is great for tired or aching feet. Because of its oil free formula, it is suitable for all skin types.
"Oz Technology Moisture Repair Foot Lotion"
Oz Technology Moisture Repair Foot Lotion uses all the benefits of Jojoba and Olive oils to help repair dry, cracked skin on your feet while having a pleasant scent. The best feature of this lotion is that it's suitable for both feet and hands, so you can always have a little tube of moisturizer when you need it.
"Beach Body Moisturizing Lotion"
Beach Body Moisturizing Lotion is great for your skin when the weather gets a little too warm or for other body parts that suffer in the heat. This lotion is perfect for helping to heal dry skin and will help keep your skin soft and glowing. If you have dry hands, try using this lotion while washing dishes or walking your dog, it helps to protect them from chapping and drying out. With just a little bit of this lotion in your hands, you will be amazed that your hands are feeling so much better.
