Causes and How to Get Rid of Dry Skin
Dry skin may cause scaling, cracking, and discomfort.
Here are some of them.
Eczema
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Ivan Kryvoshei / Getty Images
Psoriasis
DermNet /CC BY-NC-ND
Psoriasisis a disease that causes raised plaques and scales on the skin.
There are more than 7.5 million adults with psoriasis in the United States.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Reproduced with permission from DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet NZwww.dermnetnz.org2022
Seborrheic dermatitisis a condition that causes inflammation of the skin’s upper layers.
In infants, it’s often referred to as cradle cap.
It can occur in adulthood as well.
DermNet /CC BY-NC-ND
Its milder form is referred to as dandruff.
Symptoms associated with seborrheic dermatitis include:
Hormonal changes and cold weather can make seborrheic dermatitis worse.
What Causes Dry Skin?
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Dry skincan have many potential causes.
Sometimes, the cause is obvious.
Other times, the cause of your dry skin is unclear.
Ointments and creams are more effective at treating dry skin.
Those include:
Dry Skin Complications
Dry skin is usually treatable and not serious.
These include diabetes,thyroid disease, andpsoriasis.
Many moisturizing choices are available, with ointments and creams usually being more effective and less irritating than lotions.
Also called petrolatum or petroleum jelly, Vaseline historically has been an inexpensive way to help dry skin.
Apply Vaseline when your skin is damp, like right after you bathe or shower.
If you have acne-prone skin, avoid using Vaseline on your face.
It may lead to more breakouts.
This may include a dermatologist (a specialist in skin conditions).
It could be that you need a stronger product to help your dry skin.
It results from aging, cold weather, taking certain medications, and having certain chronic conditions.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Dry skin: signs and symptoms.
National Eczema Association.What is eczema?
National Psoriasis Foundation.About psoriasis.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Seborrheic dermatitis.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Dry skin: who gets and causes.
American Cancer Society.Rashes and skin changes.
National Kidney Foundation.Chronic kidney disease associated pruritus (itchy skin).
Iowa Health Care.Winter dry skin.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Dry skin: diagnosis and treatment.
Harvard Health Publishing.9 ways to banish dry skin.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Dermatologists' top tips for relieving dry skin.
Best Practice Advocacy Centre New Zealand.Seventh age itch: preventing and managing dry skin in older people.
University of Utah Health.When should you see a dermatologist?
