Properly hydrated skin is beautiful: soft and smooth. But dehydrated skin — also known as dry skin, xerosis, and winter itch — is dull and rough. Not only can it look awful — especially if it leads to severe flaking, deep cracks, or inflamed pink or red patches — but it can also feel awful, especially if it causes such intense itching that you feel clad head to toe in wool.
Fortunately, most cases of dry skin are mild and temporary, usually the result of environmental exposures such as low humidity or harsh soaps. These cases can easily be prevented or treated at home. But severe or persistent dry skin may point to a more serious condition that needs medical evaluation and treatment.
The Causes of Dry Skin
Although dry skin can develop anywhere, it most often appears on the legs (especially the shins), the flanks (the area between the bottom of the rib cage and the hips), and the backs of the hands. Dry skin is especially problematic in people 60 and older because of the natural loss of protective skin oils.
Common environmental causes of dry skin include:
Low humidity. If you live in a northern climate, dry skin may be more noticeable during winter, especially if you have a forced-air heating system. But if you live in an arid climate, dry skin may be a problem all year long.
Frequent showers and baths. Hot water breaks down the skin's protective fats. So do harsh soaps and shampoos — particularly those containing deodorants and anti-bacterial ingredients.
Excessive sun exposure. Sunlight dries skin and exposes its lower layers to radiation that damages collagen and elastin fibers. This causes wrinkles, sagging, and the symptoms of dry skin.
Medical conditions associated with dry skin include:
Psoriasis , an autoimmune disorder that causes a buildup of dry skin and silvery scales.
Thyroid disorders, which can decrease the skin's production of protective sweat and oil.
Atopic dermatitis (eczema), an allergic condition that causes itching and inflammation.
In some cases, dry skin can result from a serious and potentially disfiguring disorder called ichthyosis. Other medical conditions that can cause dry skin include diabetes, malnutrition, liver and kidney diseases, lymphoma, and HIV/AIDS.
Home Care for Dry Skin
Simple lifestyle changes can effectively rehydrate the skin. These include:
Short showers. If you limit showers to five or ten minutes — preferably with warm but not hot water, and mild soaps such as Neutrogena, Basis, or Dove that contain added fats — you can add moisture to skin. Longer showers deplete skin moisture.
Moisturizers. Apply a moisturizer — preferably an ointment or cream instead of a lotion — within three minutes after bathing. Contrary to popular belief, moisturizers don't "moisturize" the skin, but provide a protective barrier that prevents water loss. Good choices include ointments and creams containing ingredients such as lactic acid, urea, hyaluronic acid, dimethicone, glycerin, lanolin, mineral oil, or petrolatum (also known as petroleum jelly). Also apply a moisturizer to dry hands after each hand washing.
Humidification. If the relative humidity in your home is below 40 percent, you may need to use either a portable home humidifier or one attached to your furnace.
Skin-friendly fabrics. Choose non-irritating fabrics such as cotton or silk. Washing clothes with unscented detergents may also reduce skin irritation.
Anti-itch strategies. Cool compresses or ointments containing at least 1 percent hydrocortisone may provide relief.
Antibacterial strategies. To prevent infection, apply an antibacterial ointment to cracks, especially those with a tendency to bleed.
When Dry Skin Necessitates a Trip to the Doctor, See your doctor or dermatologist if you:
- Experience no relief from home remedies.
- Have large areas of scaling and flaking, or a visible rash.
- Have dry skin accompanied by redness.
- Have open sores or infections from scratching.
- Have dryness or itching that interferes with sleep.
