Do you have dry skin?
Dry skin is a common condition that can happen to anyone at any age. Signs of dry skin include:
- Tightness
- Roughness
- Itching
- Patches that appear flaky or ashy
- Peeling
- Fine lines and cracks
- Broken skin due to continued scratching
Dry skin is usually temporary and is often seasonal. By itself, dry skin rarely represents a serious health issue—but excessively dry skin, called xerosis or xeroderma, might require a dermatologist’s treatment.
What causes dry skin?
Dry skin’s most common causes are environmental, but products and daily habits can contribute, too:
Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can wreak havoc on the skin.
A lack of humidity in winter or dry climates will dry out skin.
Itchy clothing may irritate the skin, leading to scratching and dryness.
Harsh soaps, skincare products, and cosmetics tend to remove moisture from the skin.
Dry skin is a side effect of certain medications.
Long, hot showers or baths can contribute to dry skin.
Severe dry skin may also indicate an underlying skin condition such as:
Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
Ichthyosis
Psoriasis
Help for dry skin at home
Most cases of dry skin can be eased by making some adjustments to everyday habits and adding the right moisturizers to your daily routine:
Take shorter, cooler baths or showers and gently blot skin dry.
Use gentle soap and moisturizer that doesn’t contain alcohol, fragrance, and retinoids.
Moisturize immediately after drying off.
Wear soft, non-irritating clothing and switch to hypoallergenic laundry detergent.
Try a room humidifier during dry weather.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and reducing alcohol consumption.
Wear gloves in cold weather and when getting your hands wet or handling cleansers or chemicals.
Dry skin can also be a symptom of more serious medical issues including:
Diabetes
Hypothyroidism
Hyperthyroidism
Malnutrition
A Forefront dermatologist can determine the source of your dry skin and develop a treatment plan.
Treatment for dry skin at Forefront
If dry skin persists after making the changes listed above, a board-certified dermatologist at Forefront can help get to the bottom of its cause.
Treatment will include soothing the uncomfortable dryness, determining what the skin is lacking and replenishing it so it will heal, and prescribing techniques to avoid future bouts of dry skin. Your dermatologist may suggest a prescription cream or lotion or a specific over-the-counter product to hydrate and restore the skin’s outer layer. This will likely include one or more of the following beneficial active ingredients:
Urea
Ceramides
Lactic acid
Glycerin
Dimethicone
Hyaluronic acid
Lanolin
If your dermatologist detects an underlying condition such as eczema, psoriasis, or ichthyosis, they may prescribe topical steroids, oral or injectable medications, or phototherapy.
If you are bothered by extremely dry skin that resists your attempts to treat it at home, find a Forefront location near you and make an appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists.
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Skin Care • Psoriasis • Dry Skin • Eczema
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