OverviewWhat is dry skin?Dry skin is skin that doesn’t have enough moisture in it to keep it feeling soft. The medical term for dry skin is xeroderma (pronounced “ze-ROW-derm-ah”). Xerosis (pronounced “ze-ROW-sis”) is severely dry skin. Dry skin feels like rough patches of your skin that can flake or look scaly. If your skin is dry, it may or may not be itchy (pruritis). Severe dry skin may crack and bleed. Show
What are the types of dry skin?Types of dry skin include:
Who does dry skin affect?Dry skin is common and affects nearly everyone at some point in their life. You might be more at risk of getting dry skin if you:
How does dry skin affect my body?Dry skin changes the texture of your skin from soft to rough. This can cause your skin to feel itchy or change color from your normal skin tone. You can have dry skin patches, which are small areas of dry skin, or dry skin could affect a larger area of your skin. Dry skin is usually harmless and only causes temporary discomfort until you’re able to rehydrate your skin with a moisturizer. Severely dry skin is fragile and easily flakes or cracks, which can turn into a painful sore. In the event of skin sore from dry skin, take care of your skin like you would an injury or wound to prevent infection. Symptoms and CausesWhat are the symptoms of dry skin?Symptoms of dry skin include skin that’s:
If you have severely dry skin, a rash could develop on your skin. The rash could have small, pimple-like bumps, be itchy, swollen or be a different color than the skin around it, usually red to purple. The medical term for this rash is dermatitis, which is another word for skin swelling and inflammation. Where on my body will I have dry skin?You can have dry skin anywhere on your body, but the most common places include:
How do I know if I have dry skin?You can test your skin at home to see if you have dry skin by lightly dragging your fingernails across your skin. When you do this, make sure you don’t put any pressure on your skin with your fingernails and avoid scratching yourself. This test works well on your arms or legs where you have a large surface area of skin. When you perform this test, look at your skin and see if it flakes. Flaking skin is a sign of dry skin. This could look like tiny snowflakes or dust. You might even see a light mark on your skin that’s similar to a line on a chalkboard where you performed this test. What causes dry skin?A lack of moisture within the layers of your skin causes dry skin. Factors that cause dry skin include:
Diagnosis and TestsHow is dry skin diagnosed?Dry skin can be easy to diagnose by its appearance. Your healthcare provider will diagnose dry skin after a complete medical history, a physical exam and learning more about your symptoms. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your healthcare provider may order tests to check for health conditions that cause dry skin, such as:
Management and TreatmentHow is dry skin treated?Treatment for dry skin focuses on rehydrating or bringing moisture back to your skin. Treatment for dry skin could include:
What type of lotion or moisturizer is best for dry skin?There are several different moisturizer options available if you have dry skin. When choosing a moisturizer for your dry skin, look for products that:
When choosing a moisturizer, remember that your skin is unique and a product that works for someone else might not be best for you and your skin. Your healthcare provider or your dermatologist can help you choose skin care products designed for you and your dry skin. Who treats dry skin?If you have recurring dry skin or a medical condition that has dry skin as a symptom, your primary care provider might recommend you see a dermatologist to treat your dry skin. A dermatologist is a medical provider who specializes in skin health. What should I eat or drink with dry skin?Certain foods and drinks can pull water from your body and cause dehydration. Avoid food and drinks that contain:
Are there side effects of having dry skin?Untreated or severely dry skin can cause your skin to crack open and bleed. Open sores or wounds from these cracks expose your body to germs that can cause infections. Rarely, dry, itchy skin can indicate a more serious health problem, such as diabetes or kidney disease. How do I manage symptoms of dry skin?Keeping your skin moisturized is the best way to manage symptoms of dry skin. The best time of day to apply moisturizer to your skin is:
PreventionHow can I prevent dry skin?You can prevent dry skin at home by:
Outlook / PrognosisWhat can I expect if I have dry skin?Most people can successfully treat dry skin by using a daily moisturizer and taking proactive steps like minimizing exposure to hot temperatures and other irritants. It’s a good idea to take care of dry skin for your overall health. Rough, dry skin can feel uncomfortable and if your skin gets too dry, it can crack and break open, which makes you more prone to infection. Living WithWhen should I see my healthcare provider?You should call your healthcare provider if your skin:
What questions should I ask my doctor?If you’re concerned about dry skin, talk to your healthcare provider. You may want to ask:
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhy is my skin so dry even when I moisturize?There could be many reasons why your skin is still dry after using a lotion or a moisturizer, including:
If you’re having trouble treating your dry skin, talk with your healthcare provider or a dermatologist. A note from Cleveland Clinic Dry skin may look rough and flaky and itchy and uncomfortable. Fortunately, dry skin causes few long-term problems. Although it’s typically a chronic condition, dry skin is very manageable. Talk to your healthcare provider about how to prevent and soothe your dry skin. If other conditions, like eczema, cause dry skin, your healthcare provider can prescribe medications and offer tips to treat the condition. How do you treat extremely dry hands?For very dry hands, apply petroleum jelly liberally at bedtime and put on plain cotton socks or gloves. Use warm water and limit bath time. Long showers or baths and hot water remove your skin's natural oils. Limit bathing to no more than once a day and no longer than 5-10 minutes.
What does hand eczema look like?According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), symptoms of hand eczema may include: patches or rashes that may be red, violet-brown, or dark brown, depending on the tone of your skin. mild to severe itchiness. scaly, chapped skin.
What causes extreme dryness on hands?Dry skin, also known as xerosis or xeroderma, has many causes, including cold or dry weather, sun damage, harsh soaps, and overbathing.
Why are my hands itchy when dry?Dry skin
In the colder months, the weather can cause your skin to dry out. This can directly apply to your palms, causing your hands to itch and flake. Eczema and some medications may also cause your skin to dry out and develop a rash. Scratching your palms may worsen your symptoms.
|