Dry Skin: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Dry Skin

Dry skin, or xerosis, is a condition with a lack of moisture in the epidermis. It can lead to complications like eczema or infections. Find out more about this common condition.

Recommended Actions

Promote skin health by daily moisturizing with a GPhC licensed product, using warm (not hot) water for washing, opting for gentle, fragrance-free soaps, and incorporating a humidifier at home to maintain optimal skin hydration.

Recommended Avoidances

Be mindful of factors that can contribute to dry skin, such as avoiding long, hot baths or showers, using harsh soaps and detergents, excessive scrubbing of the skin, and being in dry air environments.

Prevention Tips

Maintain skin health by limiting shower time and temperature, being gentle to your skin, moisturizing immediately after washing, using a humidifier, and wearing gloves when using cleaning agents.

Condition 101

Dry skin, medically known as xerosis, is a common condition that affects individuals of all ages. It's characterised by a lack of the appropriate amount of water in the surface layer of the skin, the epidermis. While dry skin can be a mere annoyance, severe cases can lead to complications such as chronic eczema or secondary bacterial infections.

A feeling of skin tightness, especially after bathing
Rough, flaky, or scaling skin
Itching
Redness
Cracking, which might be severe and lead to bleeding
Weather: Cold winter air or dry climates can dry out your skin.
Heat: Central heating, wood-burning stoves, and fireplaces can reduce humidity.
Hot baths and showers: Taking long, hot showers can dry out your skin.
Harsh soaps and detergents: Many popular soaps can strip moisture from your skin.
Age: Older adults are more likely to develop dry skin
Season: Dry skin is more common in fall and winter
Medical history: Having a history of eczema or allergies
Severe redness, swelling, or itching
Open sores or infections from scratching
Dry skin that doesn't respond to over-the-counter remedies

A healthcare professional may diagnose dry skin by conducting a physical examination and asking about your medical history. In some cases, skin tests or dermatological assessment may be necessary to rule out skin conditions that can cause dry skin, such as psoriasis or eczema.
Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
Infections from broken skin
Cellulitis
Drinking water can cure dry skin: Hydration is important, but it won't directly impact the moisture level of your skin.
All soaps are the same: Soaps can vary greatly and some can dry out your skin.
Hypothyroidism
Diabetes
Atopic dermatitis
Psoriasis

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Treatment Options

Need more information about Dry Skin, contact us for more help on treatment or advise.

Emollients (E45, Diprobase)
Topical corticosteroids (Hydrocortisone)
Antihistamines (Loratadine)

Prescription-strength moisturisers
Prescription-strength corticosteroids
Immune modulating drugs

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