Constant Dry Skin Bothering You? Here's How You Can Prevent Dry Skin!

So what causes dry skin? Are there different types of dry skin? What are the risk factors? Is there a permanent remedy for dry skin really?

Dry skin is an uncomfortable condition marked by scaling, itching, and cracking. It can occur for a variety of reasons. For one, you might have naturally dry skin. But even if your skin tends to be oily, you still can develop dry skin from time to time. And dry skin can affect any part of your body. It commonly affects hands, arms, and legs.
In many cases though, lifestyle changes and over-the-counter moisturizers are all you need to treat it.

What medical conditions can cause different types of dry skin?

Exposure to dry weather conditions, hot water, and certain chemicals can cause the skin to dry out. However, dry skin can also result from underlying medical conditions.

Dermatitis is the medical term for an extremely dry skin. And there are several different types of dermatitis.

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis develops when your skin reacts to something it touches, causing localized inflammation.

Irritant contact dermatitis can occur when your skins exposed to an irritating chemical agent, such as bleach.

Allergic contact dermatitis can develop when your skin is exposed to a substance youre allergic to, such as nickel.

Seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis occurs when your skin produces too much oil. It results in a red and scaly rash, usually on your scalp. This type of dermatitis is common in infants.

Atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is also known as eczema -- wherein patches of skin become rough and inflamed with blisters which cause itching and bleeding. Its a chronic skin condition thats common among young children.

Other conditions, such as psoriasis (a skin disease marked by red, itchy, scaly patches) and type 2 diabetes (occur in people who are overweight and physically inactive), can also cause your skin to dry out.

Must read about -Psoriasis; beyond what you see: Your top 7 questions answered

What puts me at risk?

Dry skin can affect anyone. But some risk factors that raise your chances of developing dry skin include:

• Age: Older adults are more likely to develop dry skin. As you age, your pores naturally produce less oil, raising your risk of dry skin.
• Medical history: Youre more likely to experience eczema or allergic contact dermatitis if you have a history of these conditions or other allergic diseases in your family.
• Season: Dry skin is more common during the fall and winter months when humidity levels are relatively low. In the summer, higher levels of humidity help stop your skin from drying out.
• Bathing habits: Taking frequent baths or washing with very hot water raises your risk of dry skin.

What's the treatment for dry skin?

The recommended treatment plan will depend on the cause of your dry skin.

Along with lifestyle remedies, over the counter or prescription ointments, creams, or lotions could also treat your symptoms.

Try the following to prevent and relieve you from dry skin:

• Avoid using hot water to bathe or shower
• Shower every other day instead of every day
• Keep your shower time to less than 10 minutes
• Use a moisturizing soap when you bathe or shower
• Apply moisturizer immediately after bathing or showering
• Pat, rather than rub, wet skin dry with a soft towel
• Avoid itching or scrubbing dry skin patches
• Use a humidifier in your home
• Drink plenty of water

Its also important to choose the right kind of moisturizer for your skin type. If your skin is extremely dry, look for a petrolatum-based product. You might consider switching to a lighter, water-based lotion during the summer months if your skin becomes less dry.

Lotions that contain grapeseed oil and antioxidants can also help trap water in your skin.
Remember, if left untreated, dermatitis can get worse. Early treatment will help you to feel comfortable sooner. It will also lower your risk of complications, such as open wounds from scratching and skin infections.

Article by Dr.Kranthi Kumar Varma,M.D (Dermatology)
Consultant Physician, CallHealth

Have a question? Consult Dr. Kranthi online.