Dry skin makes the skin look and feel rough, patchy, scaly and itchy. The location where these dry patches develop varies from one person to another. Dry skin is a common issue and can affect people of all ages. Also referred to as xeroderma or xerosis, the common causes of dry skin include cold and dry weather, sun damage and use of harsh soaps or excessive exfoliation.
Dry Skin Symptoms
Dry skin is often temporary and seasonal- some people may only develop it in the winters, while others may need long-term treatment for it.
Also, the signs of dry skin may vary based on the status of health, age, living conditions or environment and exposure to the UV rays of the sun. Some common dry skin symptoms may include:
Skin tightness
Skin that is rough to touch
Pruritus (itchiness)
Slight to severe flaking
Slight to severe peeling
Cracked (dry riverbed) appearance
Cracks or fine lines
Skin that appears reddish on white skin tone and greyish on darker skin tones
Deep, bleeding cracks on the skin
Dry Skin Causes
Dry skin is due to lack of hydration or water retention from the outermost layer of the skin. A few common dry skin causes may include:
Heat: central heating and space heaters reduce the humidity levels in the air.
Environment: Living in cold and windy conditions or less humid climates.
Too much scrubbing or exfoliation: Taking long and frequent hot showers or excessive exfoliation removes natural oils from the skin and causes dry skin.
Harsh soaps and detergents: Using harsh soaps, shampoos and detergents, strips the natural moisture levels of the skin.
Skin conditions: Some skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis are also the leading causes of dry skin.
Ageing: As we age, the skin becomes thinner and produces fewer oils, making it less effective at retaining water and maintaining hydration.
Dry Skin Risk Factors
Everyone can get dry skin at some point in their life. However, a person is at a greater risk of developing dry skin if they:
Are of the age 40 and above. This is because the skin’s ability to retain water and moisture reduces with age.
Outdoor temperature: Reside in cold and low-humidity climates.
Occupation: Have a job that requires frequent hand washing, such as nursing.
Chemicals that affect the skin: Come in frequent contact with chlorinated water.
Medical conditions: Conditions such as anorexia, diabetes, and hypothyroidism can cause dry skin.
Medications: Dry skin can be a possible side effect of several medications including diuretics and statins.
Vitamin or mineral deficiency: Skin requires nutrients to stay healthy. Deficiency of vitamin D, A, niacin, iron or zinc can cause excessively dry skin
Cancer treatment (present or past): Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy can lead to dry skin
HIV-Positive: Extremely dry skin is a common issue among people living with HIV, including those taking antiretroviral treatment (ART).
Dry Skin Complications
In most cases, dry skin is harmless. However, in a few cases, dry skin can lead to complications, such as:
Eczema (atopic dermatitis): Eczema can cause excessive dryness, cracking and rash.
Infections: Dry skin may cause cracks, allowing microbes like bacteria to enter, leading to infections.
Note: These complications are most likely to occur if the overall skin health and protective mechanisms are hampered. For example, severely dry skin can cause fissures, causing the skin to open or bleed, leading to bacteria entering the skin.
Dry Skin Diagnosis
To diagnose dry skin, a doctor will typically perform an examination and review the patient's medical history. They may ask questions such as when the skin starts to get dry, the factors that make it better or worse, bathing habits and the daily steps taken to take care of the skin.
A doctor may also request tests to identify whether an underlying medical condition, such as hypothyroidism, is one of the causes of dry skin. In many cases, dry skin is a symptom of another skin condition, such as psoriasis or dermatitis.
Dry Skin Treatment
Dry skin treatment often involves taking lifestyle measures, such as using prescribed moisturisers and avoiding excessive exfoliation or frequent bathing. If an individual is diagnosed with dry skin, a doctor recommends a moisturising product formulated as per individualistic needs.
Preparing for the Appointment
If you are experiencing symptoms of dry skin, consult a dermatologist (skin specialist) for the diagnosis and treatment of dry skin. Here is some information to help you get ready for the appointment:
Prepare a list of questions that will help make the most of the appointment with a dermatologist. Some basic questions to ask a dermatologist can include:
What are the common dry skin reasons for you?
What dry skin tests can be done to determine its underlying cause?
Is the dry skin likely to heal on its own?
What is the best skin care routine for your condition?
FAQs
What is the main cause of dry and patchy skin?
Everyday activities, such as using scented soaps and harsh detergents can strip oils and fats from the skin. Living in cold and dry conditions also causes dry skin. Increasing the daily water intake and moisturising regularly can help heal dry skin.
What deficiency causes dry skin?
A nutritional deficiency, specifically niacin, zinc, iron, vitamin D and A deficiency may cause dry skin.
What is the best treatment for dry skin?
Dermatologist-recommended hydrating creams, lotions, and oils can help soothe and soften dry skin, reducing the risk of cracking while alleviating itchiness and any associated pain.
What heals dry skin the fastest?
Some home remedies that help heal the dry skin fast are:
Coconut oil
Petroleum jelly
Antioxidants and omega-3s
Adjust your shower temperature
Avoid allergens and irritants
Use gloves
Use a humidifier
