What Causes Dry Skin? Symptoms & Treatment

The appearance and feel of dry skin are flaky, rough, itchy, or scaly.

Each person experiences these dry areas in a different location. 

Despite this, it is quite prevalent, can affect people of all ages, and can appear anywhere on the body, from the hands and face to the stomach and legs according to MedlinePlus.

Understanding dry skin

Types of Dry Skin

Skin that lacks sufficient moisture to be supple is said to be dry. Xeroderma is the medical term for this skin condition and severe skin dryness is xerosis.

Dry skin types include:

Contact dermatitis

It happens when something that irritates or triggers an allergic reaction comes into touch with your skin. 

You can experience a skin rash in addition to having dry, red, and itchy skin.

Eczema

It is a group of skin conditions that results in red, bumpy, itchy, and dry skin areas. Your skin may crack from severe forms, which increases your risk of infection. 

Irritating substances, allergies, and stress can make this common skin disease worse.

Athlete’s foot

A fungus produces athlete's foot, which might resemble dry skin on your feet.

This fungus is known as "ringworm" because it spreads across your body. The soles of the feet of those who have athlete's foot can have dry, flaking skin.

Athlete’s foot

Seborrheic dermatitis

Dry, flaky skin patches on your face, chest, and the inside creases of your legs, arms, or groin might be a symptom of seborrheic dermatitis. 

It may also impact your navel less frequently. 

When your body reacts to a typical yeast that develops on your skin, it might cause this kind of dermatitis.

What Causes Dry Skin

If your skin loses water too quickly and dehydrates, dry skin develops. The following factors can make it more likely for the skin to lose water.

• Season: Since humidity levels are generally low in the fall and winter, dry skin is more prevalent.

• Age: Your risk of developing dry skin increases as you age because your pores naturally produce less oil.

• Bathing habits: Your chance of developing dry skin is increased if you frequently bathe or wash in very hot water.

• Medical history: If you have a family history of eczema or other allergic diseases, you are more prone to developing eczema or allergic contact dermatitis.

Older people often get dry skin

Symptoms of Dry Skin

The signs and symptoms of dry skin may change depending on your age, skin tone, health, living environment, and sun exposure. 

You might experience one or more of the following if you have dry skin:

• Itchiness

• Peeling skin

• Cracks or fine lines

• Skin that looks and feels rough

• A feeling of skin tightness

• Dehydration

• Skin infections

• Skin feels painful, may burn or sting

• Wrinkled with a loose and rough texture

Some common symptoms of dry skin

Treatment for Dry Skin

Rehydrating or adding moisture back to your skin is the main treatment's objective for dry skin. Dry skin treatment options include:

Use moisturizers

Moisturizers help restore your natural skin barrier while hydrating dry skin to prevent cracking.

They may be in the form of lotions, ointments, creams, and oils. 

Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Ceramides, Stearic acid, etc are among the common components of moisturizing treatments.

Nivea Soft Crème 100Ml - 42204091 is a good moisturizer that you may consider.

Providing long-lasting moisture and supple, soft skin, it is an all-in-one revitalizing body lotion, face moisturizer, and hand cream.

Also, its light formula contains Jojoba Oil and Vitamin E, which quickly absorbs into the skin and revitalizes it.

You should choose a suitable moisturizer

Take medications

A topical steroid, which works to lessen the swelling (inflammation) in your skin that causes a rash and itching, may be prescribed by your doctor for severely dry skin. 

It may be necessary to take oral or injectable medicine in some extreme situations.