Dry skin is skin that doesn’t have enough moisture to keep it feeling soft. The medical term for dry skin is xeroderma or xerosis for severely dry skin.
Dry skin can be more than just “dry skin” due to environmental changes. It can also be a result of certain skin conditions, including:
- Contact dermatitis: Contact dermatitis occurs when something comes into contact with your skin that causes an irritant or allergic reaction. Your skin may be dry, itchy, and red, and you may also develop a rash.
- Eczema: Eczema is a group of skin conditions that cause red, dry, bumpy, and itchy patches of skin. Severe forms can cause cracking of your skin.
- Seborrheic dermatitis: Also known as dandruff in adults or cradle cap in infants. Seborrheic dermatitis can also cause dry, flaky skin patches on your face, chest, and inside creases of your arms, legs, or groin.
- Athlete’s foot: Athlete’s foot, also known as ringworm, can mimic dry skin on your feet, but a fungus causes it. It may develop in the appearance of a dry rash and can occur on the feet (Athlete’s foot) or elsewhere if general ringworm.
If you are unsure of your dry skin or the rash-like condition you may have, contact your local board-certified dermatologist to determine the root cause of your condition. Find a clinic near you today.
