Dry skin

Dry skin is a condition that develops when the skin doesn't have enough sebum (an oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands) or loses too much moisture.


Causes/associated factors
Dry skin can be caused by underactive sebaceous glands or the normal aging process. Environmental conditions can also play a role. Cold outdoor air, dry indoor air and low humidity cause water to evaporate from your skin. Frequent bathing (especially hot baths) or swimming can remove the protective oils from your skin. Using too much soap, antiperspirant or perfume can also lead to dry skin. Finally, dry skin may be caused by certain medications and diseases, including diabetes, kidney disease and low thyroid conditions.

Signs/symptoms
The most common symptom of dry skin is itching without other obvious causes, especially after bathing. Other symptoms may include flaking, roughness, fine lines or scaly, cracked skin.

Diagnosis
Dry skin is typically diagnosed at home, based on the itching and appearance of your skin. Your doctor can make a diagnosis based on your medical history and a physical exam. For particularly severe cases, you may be referred to a dermatologist.

Treatment/prevention
To treat or prevent dry skin, keep the following suggestions in mind.
Use a small amount of mild soap when bathing. You may want to try Dove, Basis or a soap substitute such as Cetaphil. Take shorter baths or showers, and use lukewarm water rather than hot. Oatmeal baths (Aveeno, for example) or bath oils without fragrances often relieve itching.

After bathing, use a moisturizer while your skin is still damp to seal in the moisture. This will help keep your skin soft and prevent cracking. Also apply a moisturizer at least one other time during the day. Avoid lotions that contain fragrances or numerous ingredients. Instead, you may want to look for ointment-based moisturizers or moisturizers with lanolin, petroleum jelly (Vaseline, for example) or Eucerin products.

Look for moisturizing facial care products. Use oil-based makeup if you're not prone to acne or a brand that contains moisturizer. If you're allergic or have especially sensitive skin, try fragrance-free products.

Avoid scratching or scrubbing your skin. Breaks in the skin can lead to secondary infections. It's also best to avoid wearing scratchy material, such as wool, next to your skin.

Avoid excessive sun exposure. Remember that sun exposure damages your skin and increases the risk of skin cancer.

Keep your skin hydrated. It may help to use a humidifier, particularly during the winter.

Consult your doctor if these measures aren't helpful or the itching interferes with sleep.


Complications
Dry skin may become cracked and patches of irritated skin may develop. Breaks in the skin can lead to a secondary skin infection. Consult your doctor if you notice any signs of infection, such as fever, pus, crusting, redness or swelling.

Pregnancy-specific information
Skin changes are common during pregnancy, often due to the normal hormonal changes associated with pregnancy. Remember to notify your doctor of any skin changes, however. Rarely, they may indicate conditions more serious than simple dry skin.

Senior-specific information
Sweat and oil production naturally decrease with age, making itchy, dry skin a common complaint for older adults. Bathing less frequently and following the treatment and prevention tips listed above may help relieve symptoms. As a general precaution, it's wise to inspect your skin routinely. If itching persists without an obvious skin condition, it's important to consult your doctor. Changes in the immune system make many older adults more prone to skin injuries or infections, and skin cancers are common among older adults.