Dry Skin

Dry skin is common, it affects at least one in five of the population. It happens more often in the winter when cold air outside and heated air inside cause low humidity. When the skin loses moisture it may crack and peel, or become irritated and inflamed. Bathing too frequently, especially with harsh soaps, may contribute to dry skin.
The most common areas dry skin appears are: your lower legs, arms, flanks (sides of the abdomen), and thighs. However, this pattern can vary considerably from person to person.
The symptoms most often associated with dry skin include: Scaling, itching, and cracks in the skin. Although a lot of these symptoms are difficult to deal with, dry skin needn't make life a misery. Fortunately, most dry skin results from environmental factors that can be wholly or partially controlled. These include exposure to hot or cold weather with low humidity levels, long-term use of air conditioning or central heating, and excessive bathing. In some cases dry skin may be a symptom of a hereditary or chronic condition such as eczema, psoriasis or contact dermatitis.

Chronic or severe dry skin problems may require the evaluation of a dermatologist. But if your condition isn’t that sever, you can do a lot on your own to improve your skin, including bathing less, using moisturizers, and avoiding certain drying soaps.

When should I call my doctor?

* You feel itchy without a visible rash
* Dryness and itching are preventing you from sleeping
* You have any open cuts or sores from scratching
* Home care measures do not relieve your dryness and itching

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

Your doctor will perform a physical examination with careful attention to all parts of your skin.

To better understand the cause of the dry skin, your doctor may ask:

* When did your dry skin develop or has it always been dry?
* Are all parts of your body affected? If not, what are the specific locations involved?
* What seems to make the dryness worse?
* Does anything make it feel better?
* What are your bathing habits?
* Do you have any other symptoms?