Skin Conditions
The skin naturally becomes drier with age. The body produces less oil and moisture. The skin also becomes thinner and less elastic.
Signs & Symptoms
* Itchy skin. The skin can be red from scratching it.
* Chapped skin
* Skin that cracks, peels, and/or flakes
Causes, Risk Factors & Care
* Aging
* Cold winter weather
* Dry air or heat
* Harsh skin products
* Washing the skin often
* Some medications
* Allergies
* An underactive thyroid gland; diabetes; and/or kidney disease
* Other skin conditions, such as psoriasis
Dry skin is not a serious health risk. With self-care, it can be easily managed. When it is a symptom of a health condition, treating the condition treats the dry skin.
Self-Care / Prevention
* Drink 8 or more glasses of water a day.
* Moisturize your skin daily. Use an oil-based lotion.
* Don’t overexpose your skin to water, such as with washing dishes. Wear rubber gloves when you wash dishes.
* Take a shower instead of a bath. Use warm (not hot) water. Apply a moisturizing cream while your skin is damp. Use products with lanolin.
* If you prefer to bathe, bathe for only 15 to 20 minutes in lukewarm water. Pat yourself dry. Do not rub. Use a bath oil on your skin after bathing.
* Try sponge baths.
* Use a washcloth instead of soaping the skin directly.
* Use a mild liquid soap, like Cetaphil Lotion, or a fatted soap. Avoid deodorant, medicated, or alkaline soaps.
* Don’t use moisturizers with fragrances, preservatives, or alcohol.
* Use a night cream for the face.
* Stay out of the strong sun.
* Do not use tanning salons.
* Use a sunblock with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.
* If you get symptoms of dry skin:
– Don’t scratch or rub the skin.
– Apply oil-based moisturizers often.
– Lessen exposure of the affected area to water.
When to Seek Medical Care
Contact Doctor When:
* You have any of these problems with dry skin:
– Deep cracks on the hands or feet
– Tight, shiny, or hardened skin
– Itchy skin areas that are raised, have red borders, and are covered with large white or silver-white scales
* You have signs of an infection (fever; increased redness, swelling, pain, or tenderness; pus; blisters; red streaks from the affected area).
* You have diabetes and the dry skin is troublesome.
* You have symptoms of low thyroid.
* You have dry skin without a rash and you itch all over.
* Severe itching keeps you from sleeping.
* Self-care brings no relief.
© American Institute for Preventive Medicine