Dry skin has a rough, itchy, flaky, or scaly appearance and feel. These dry patches appear differently for every person. It is a widespread condition that can strike people of any age. Dry skin, also known as xerosis or xeroderma, can be caused by a variety of things, including cold or dry weather, sun damage, abrasive soaps, and excessive washing. You may take care of dry skin on your own by moisturizing and applying for UV protection all year long, among other things. By trying out several products, you might find a skincare routine that suits you.
Symptoms
You may just experience dry skin during the winter, for example, or you may need to seek long-term treatment or use a facial sheet. People do not always suffer from dry skin. It is seasonal.
The apparent signs and symptoms of dry skin might change depending on your age, health, skin tone, the atmosphere at home, and sun exposure. They consist of:
- A tightening of the skin
- Rough-feeling and -looking skin
- Itchiness (pruritus) (pruritus)
- Scaling or peeling that varies in intensity
- Skin that is prone to mild to severe peeling, which can make dry brown and black skin appear ashy.
- Little fractures or lines
- Skin that ranges in color from reddish on white skin to grayish on brown and black Skin.
- Possible bleeding deep fissures
When to visit the doctor
The majority of dry skin problems benefit greatly from dietary adjustments and home treatments. If any of the following apply, you may require assistance from your primary care physician or a dermatologist:
- Your signs and symptoms are still there despite your attempts at self-care.
- Your skin gets swollen or uncomfortable.
- As a side consequence of cancer treatment, you get dry, thick skin.
- Because of how uncomfortable your condition is, you’re having trouble sleeping or staying focused on your everyday activities.
- You have huge regions of scaly or peeling skin, open sores, or infections as a result of scratching.
Causes
Water loss from the epidermal layer of the skin causes dry skin. It could be brought on by:
Heat: Central heating, wood stoves, space heaters, and fireplaces all help to reduce humidity.
Environment: living in cold, windy, or dry climates.
Excessive cleaning or bathing: Long, hot showers or baths as well as excessive scrubbing will dry up your skin. Taking more than one bath every day may also remove the natural oils from your skin.
Different skin problems: Eczema and psoriasis are two skin disorders that are more common in those who have dry skin.
Medical procedures: Some people have thick, dry skin after receiving dialysis, undergoing cancer therapy, or taking certain medications.
Aging: The skin becomes thinner and produces fewer of the oils required for the skin to retain water as people age.
Dry skin can happen to anyone. People who have dry skin may fall into these criteria:
- Are older than 40, as aging reduces the skin’s capacity to retain moisture.
- Live in cold, windy, or low-humidity environments.
- Have work that necessitates submerging your hands in water, such as hairstyling or nursing.
- When working with earth, clay, or cement, use your hands.
- Regularly swim in chlorinated pools.
- Possess certain illnesses or ailments, such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, or malnutrition.
Complications
Normal dry skin is not dangerous. On the other hand, untreated dry skin could lead to eczema. In those who are susceptible, excessive dryness can cause the disease to manifest itself as rash and cracked skin. Cracks in dry skin could let bacteria in and lead to illnesses.
When your skin’s defenses are seriously weakened, these issues are most likely to happen. For instance, extremely dry skin might result in deep fissures or fractures that can open and bleed, creating a pathway for invasive microorganisms.
Prevention
To keep your skin moisturize, follow these steps:
- Moisturize
Moisturizer aids in locking in water to maintain the health of your skin’s protective barrier.
Moisturize frequently throughout the day, giving close care to your hands. Additionally, even on cloudy days, use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 before venturing outside. Put on plenty of sunscreens and reapply every two hours, or more frequently if you’re swimming or perspiring.
- Avoid Becoming Too Wet
Limit your shower and bath time to 10 minutes or less. Use warm water, not boiling. Towel dry after rinsing. Try to only take a bath once a day at most.
Use a non-allergenic, gentle soap or cleaner.
- Use A Cleaning Cream Or Shower Gel Without Soap
Alternatively, use hypoallergenic soap (soap without alcohol or ingredients that cause allergies), especially if you have allergies.
Rinse well, then pat yourself dry. While your skin is still damp, apply a moisturizing moisturizer.
- Take Care When Shaving
It can be drying to shave. use any kind of skin moisturizer. Shave in the direction of hair growth if it doesn’t itch. Use a blade that is razor sharp, then wash it off with warm water between each stroke. After, apply moisturizer.
When it’s cold or windy, avoid showing too much skin. In a hostile environment, skin can become unusually dry. When you’re outside, covering your skin with a scarf, hat, gloves, or using a facial sheet may be beneficial.
- Put On Gloves
- Wear the proper gloves when gardening, using abrasive cleansers, or doing any other activity that can dry up your hands.
- Following a swim, rinse and moisturize.
- If you’ve been swimming in, this is very crucial.
- Rinse thoroughly and then pat yourself dry. Apply a moisturizing moisturizer while your skin is still wet.
- Shave With Care
Shaving can be drying. Before shaving, use a lubricating product. Shave in the direction of hair growth if it doesn’t itch. Use a blade that is razor sharp, then wash it off with warm water between each stroke.
- Apply Moisturizer Next
Do not expose too much flesh in cold or windy conditions. The skin may become unusually dry in a stressful environment. Wearing a scarf, hat, pair of gloves, or mittens can be helpful when you’re outside.
- Put On Some Gloves
- When gardening, using abrasive cleaners or engaging in any other activity that can cause your hands to get dry, put on the appropriate gloves.
- Following a swim, rinse and moisturize.
Wrapping Up
Anywhere on the body, dry skin can develop, and conditions like allergies, inflammation, or skin irritability are typically to blame. To moisturize your skin often use a facial sheet. Dry skin in the groin, though, may bring up a new set of warning symptoms. This is because dry skin may be a sign of an STD. If you are aware of STD symptoms, especially unusual ones like dry skin, you can start treatment immediately once. Additionally, routine STD testing is a good idea.