Dry skin isn’t usually serious, but it can be uncomfortable and unsightly.
Serious dry skin conditionsan inherited group of disorders called ichthyosiscan sometimes be disfiguring and upsetting.
Fortunately, most dry skin is due to environmental factors that can be at least partially controlled.
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These factors include hot or cold weather, low humidity, and soaking in hot water.
Chronic or severe dry skin problems may require evaluation by a doctor who specializes in skin (dermatologist).
Dry skin is often temporaryyou get it only in winter, for examplebut it may be a lifelong condition.
See your doctor if:
Dry skin (xerosis) often has an environmental cause.
Certain diseases also can significantly affect your skin.
Potential causes of dry skin include:
Anyone can develop dry skin.
But you may be more likely to develop the condition if you:
Dry skin is usually harmless.
Sometimes dry skin leads to dermatitis, which causes red, itchy skin.
In these cases, treatment may include hydrocortisone-containing lotions.
If your skin cracks open, your doctor may prescribe wet dressings to help prevent infection.
You’re likely to start by seeing your primary care doctor.
Sometimes, you may be referred directly to a specialist in skin diseases (dermatologist).
Here’s some information to help you get ready for your appointment.
Preparing a list of questions will help you make the most of your time with your doctor.
Apply moisturizer several times a day and after bathing.
Thicker moisturizers work best, such as over-the-counter brands Eucerin and Cetaphil.
You may also want to use cosmetics that contain moisturizers.
Another possibility is ointments that contain petroleum jelly (Vaseline, Aquaphor).
These may feel greasy, so you might want to use them only at night.
Use warm water and limit bath time.Long showers or baths and hot water remove oils from your skin.
Limit your bath or shower to five to 10 minutes and use warm, not hot, water.
Choose mild soaps that have added oils and fats.
Avoid deodorant and antibacterial detergents, fragrance, and alcohol.
Apply moisturizers immediately after bathing.Gently pat your skin dry with a towel so that some moisture remains.
Immediately moisturize your skin with an oil or cream to help trap water in the surface cells.
Use a humidifier.Hot, dry, indoor air can parchsensitive skinand worsen itching and flaking.
A portable home humidifier or one attached to your furnace adds moisture to the air inside your home.
Be sure to keep your humidifier clean to ward off bacteria and fungi.
But wool, although natural, can irritate even normal skin.
Wash your clothes with detergents without dyes or perfumes, both of which can irritate your skin.
These products may be labeled as “free.”
If dry skin causes itching, apply cool compresses to the area.
To reduce inflammation, use a nonprescription hydrocortisone cream or ointment, containing at least 1 percent hydrocortisone.
Try these tips to keep skin from getting excessively dry:
Updated: 2016-10-27
Publication Date: 2004-12-02
