Causative and risk factors
Several exogenous and endogenous factors can cause dry skin. The exogenous factors include cold winters, over-exposure to the sun or frequent exposure to central heating and air conditioning. Steamy showers, use of harsh soap for bathing and washing hands and over use of sanitizers and cleaning agents can also cause dry skin.
Endogenous factors that make an individual prone to dry skin include family history of dry skin, increasing age and other skin diseases like psoriasis or atopic dermatitis. Suffering from allergies, asthma or thyroid disease can also produce dry skin.
Clinical presentation
Dry skin is usually rough, itchy and scaly. There may be cracks in the skin which may bleed occasionally. The patient’s lips are usually chapped or cracked as a result of dryness.
Untreated cases of dry skin can lead to complications like atopic dermatitis, folliculitis or cellulitis.
Diagnosis & Investigations
Dry skin can be easily diagnosed by physical examination and medical history.
If your doctor suspects that the cause of your dry skin is an underlying medical condition such as hypothyroidism, he/she may order blood test to rule it out.
Treatment
Dry skin can be easily managed by applying certain home care measures.
Keep your baths or showers short. About 5 to 10 minutes of bathing time is adequate. Use warm (not hot) water to bathe. Hot water strips off your skin of essential moisture. Use mild soaps for bathing. After bathing pat your skin dry, do not rub it. Use bath oils and apply moisturizer immediately after bath. This helps the moisturizer to sink deep into the skin and stay there for longer.
Avoid use of skin products that contain alcohol. Use a humidifier if the air is dry. Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water and fluids.
Medications are needed only when there is an underlying medical condition or a secondary bacterial infection.
