How To Treat Extremely Dry Skin

Follow The Rules Of Moisturizing

The simplest moisturizing products can soothe dry skin. “Petroleum jelly makes a great moisturizer,” dermatologist Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD, says. Or you can use mineral oil, a favorite cream, or lotion.

If you like a very rich moisturizer, look for one with shea butter, ceramides, stearic acid, or glycerin, Leslie Baumann, MD, director of the Cosmetic Medicine and Research Institute at the University of Miami, says. “All are rich moisturizers that will help you replenish your skin barrier,” Baumann writes in her online article Winter Skin, where she also says she particularly loves glycerin.

Jacobs says that whichever product you choose, a consistent, smart moisturizing routine helps.

• Wash with a non-soap liquid cleanser, preferably one with ceramides to replenish the skin’s outer layer.
• Pat skin dry for less than 20 seconds.
• Apply a thick moisturizer to slightly damp skin within minutes of bathing to trap in moisture.
• Moisturize your hands every time you wash them so that evaporating water doesn’t draw even more moisture from your dry skin.

Finally, look for a cream with sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher to get the added benefit of sun protection. You can find moisturizing sunscreens as ointments, creams, gels, even sprays. The AAD suggests creams as your best bet for helping to combat dry skin.

Why Do I Get Dry Hands

We use our hands a lot during the day and this makes the skin more vulnerable. Our hands are also more exposed to irritants like the cold, heat, pollution and dirt these all weaken the skins natural barrier and cause the skin to dry out. Although having dry hands is not harmful, it can cause lots of irritation, especially when our hands become extremely dry, itchy or chapped.

Most cases of dry hands are due to a change in weather conditions this is why we often experience dry skin in winter. If your dry skin is caused by a medical condition like eczema, youre likely to experience dry skin all year round.

It can be difficult to avoid exposing your hands to heat, chemicals and cleaning products and so this is another cause of sudden dry skin on the hands.

Causes And Treatment Of Dry Skin

W. Steven Pray, PhD, DPhBernhardt Professor, Nonprescription Products and DevicesCollege of Pharmacy

Gabriel E. Pray, PharmD CandidateCollege of PharmacyWeatherford, Oklahoma

US Pharm

Dry skin is a minor health condition that seldomhas serious underlying causes. Further, lack of treatment is not likelyto result in serious harm to the patient. Nevertheless, dry skin is atroublesome problem that is experienced by millions of U.S. citizens, soit is probable that the pharmacist will have many opportunities tooffer advice on its causes and treatments.

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Vitamin Or Mineral Deficiencies

If youre not getting enough of certain vitamins or minerals, that may be causing your dry skin. Make sure you get plenty:

• vitamin A
• zinc
• iron

If you suspect youre not getting enough, you may want to take a supplement for dry skin. However, always talk with a doctor before adding supplements to your diet.

Before you start switching up your products, there are several simple things you can try to ease dryness. Most are basic lifestyle changes that can be used together to alleviate your symptoms.

Meet The Ultimate Skincare Multi

One essential solution for many skincare needs: Aquaphor Healing Ointment is uniquely formulated to restore smooth, healthy skin. Different from a lotion or cream, this multi-purpose ointment protects and soothes extremely dry skin, chapped lips, cracked hands and feet, minor cuts and burns, and many other skin irritations, so you can get on with your day comfortably.

Aquaphor Healing Ointment

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Risk Factors For Dry Skin

Dry skin can affect anyone. But some risk factors raise your chances of developing dry skin, including:

• Age. Older adults are more likely to develop dry skin. As you age, your pores naturally produce less oil, raising your risk of dry skin.
• Medical history. Youre more likely to experience eczema or allergic contact dermatitis if you have a history of these conditions or other allergic diseases in your family.
• Season. Dry skin is more common during the fall and winter months, when humidity levels are relatively low. In the summer, higher levels of humidity help stop your skin from drying out.
• Bathing habits. Taking frequent baths or washing with very hot water raises your risk of dry skin.

When To See A Physician

Pharmacists may advise patients to see a doctor if theskin is itching but no rash is present, or if dryness and itching are sosevere that sleeping becomes difficult. Pay special attention to skinthat is open or wounded. Any break in the skin can be the entry pointfor bacteria. The dryness itself can break the skin open, or vigorousscratching can cause open cuts or sores. If the skin is broken, monitorit closely for signs of infection andsee a physician as soon as possible to get an antibiotic orantibacterial prescription.

Finally, if the simple steps described above to prevent ortreat are not helpful, it is best to see a physician to ensure thatthere is not a more serious underlying medical problem.

Remember, if you have questions, Consult Your Pharmacist.

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What Questions Should I Ask My Doctor

If youre concerned about dry skin, talk to your healthcare provider. You may want to ask:

• Whats making my skin so dry?
• Should I get tested for allergies?
• What are the best treatments for dry skin?
• How can I prevent dry skin?
• What are the best treatments for itchy skin?
• What over-the-counter cleansers and moisturizers do you recommend for dry skin?
• Should I look out for any signs of complications?

What Causes Severely Dry Skin

Severe dry skin is caused when no or very little sebum is naturally produced by the skin, leaving the skin severely lacking in moisture. Various factors can lead to a decrease in sebum production, from genetics to an increase in a hormone called dihydrotestosterone .Read on to learn what our experts have to say about why these factors contribute to extremely dry skin.

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Use An Otc Hydrocortisone Cream

If your dry skin is especially itchy or irritated, you may want to consider applying an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or ointment to the affected area after using a cold compress.

Hydrocortisone creams come in different strengths. For the milder strengths, you dont need a prescription. You can find these creams at your local drugstore or online. For stronger strengths, youll need a prescription from your doctor.

Be sure to follow the directions on the product when applying the cream. You can combine this treatment with a moisturizer. First apply the hydrocortisone cream and then add the moisturizer on top.

Factors That Can Contribute To Dry Body Skin

Several other factors also affect the severity of skin dryness. Being aware of these additional factors will help you to avoid them and reduce their impact.

Lack of effective treatmentWhen dry skin is not treated effectively, the severity of the dryness can increase leading to complications in the overall condition of the skin.

Sun exposureWhen protecting dry skin from the sun, it is important to use the appropriate Sun Protection Factor . Choose a product that moisturises skin, and ensure that it is free from irritating perfumes and colourants as dry skin is more prone to irritation than normal skin.

Occupational hazardsSome occupations require working in conditions that may increase the risk of dry skin. Typically these are occupations that require exposure to the causes of dry skin, such as working in hot or cold conditions , or frequent use of detergents , or exposure to chemicals .

DehydrationSkin receives its moisture via the body, and is therefore dependent on the bodys water balance. When dehydrated, the body reduces the supply of moisture to the skin which can contribute to dryness. Elderly people are prone to dehydration as the sensation of thirst diminishes with age.

Solutions

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Is Vaseline Good For Dry Skin

The truth is that its not necessarily bad for your skin. Vaseline is actually petroleum jelly, and can create a strong waterproof barrier that may help your skin retain moisture. Unfortunately, petroleum can be greasy and feel quite heavy, so it may not be the best choice for frequent daily use.

However, it is a great option if you want to soften your feet or your hands overnight. Simply apply some Vaseline to the dry areas, and then cover your feet and hands with a pair of socks just before bed. Youll wake up to baby soft skin in the morning.

Vaseline is also good for areas that are drier than normal, like your knees and elbows. Fortunately, Vaseline isnt too pricey, which is why many people choose to use it straight out of the jar. There are many products that contain petroleum jelly, except they are less messy and are more light-weight when worn on the skin. This makes petroleum based products a better choice for daily use.

What Causes Dry Skin

A lack of moisture within the layers of your skin causes dry skin. Factors that cause dry skin include:

• Age: As you age, your skins moisture-producing oil glands dry up. This causes the fat and collagen in your skin to also dry up, which leads to thinning skin. This is a natural part of your bodys aging process.
• Climate: The temperature of your environment can affect your skins hydration. Climates that lack humidity like desert-like climates or cold climates where theres heavy wind cause dry skin. Dry skin is often worse during the winter, but dry skin can occur year-round.
• Health conditions and genetics: You could be more at risk of getting dry skin if youre born with genes that make you more prone to it or you have a health condition that causes dry skin as a symptom. Some conditions that lead to dry skin include allergies, eczema, diabetes and kidney disease.
• Occupations: Certain professions can lead to dry skin, especially if you work outdoors, with chemicals or wash your hands frequently. Some professions that make you more likely to develop dry skin include healthcare providers, hairstylists and farmers.

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Can Drinking Water Cure Your Dry Skin

When your body is thirsty, it needs water. However, this principle does not apply to dry, thirsty skin. We tend to think that drinking a lot of water can cure dry skin, but the truth is that its not effective.

A normally-hydrated person probably wont see a difference in their skin after drinking an increased volume of water. Drinking an excessive amount of water can lead to other health problems and is not recommended for dry skin.

Dry skin is an external problem and is best treated from the outside. External factors such as cleansing products, environment and oil glands determine how dry your skin is or will become.

Does Dry Skin Cause Winter Itch

Winter itch is a common name for the skin symptom of generalized itching in the winter. It is primarily caused by dry skin and is most common in the elderly. Winter itch caused by dry skin may also be seen in those with a history of eczema. External factors, including cold temperatures, low humidity, and the use of central heat, tend to worsen dry skin during the winter season. Therefore, some people refer to the condition of dry skin in the winter as a “winter itch.”

• Atopic dermatitis

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Avoid Washing Your Face Multiple Times A Day

If youre experiencing dry skin, it may be best to only wash your face at night, unless youre working out.

This cleanses your face after a long day of collecting dirt and helps prevent you from eliminating necessary oils from the skin.

Dontexfoliate your skin on a daily basis. Instead, try just once per week. This can reduce irritation associated with harsh scrubbing.

Tip : Hyaluronic Acid Helps

Hyaluronic acid is used for moisturizing. âItâs super hydrating and has anti-aging properties. When used in peels and cleansers it helps to retain the skinâs moisture,â says Dr. Jaliman.

Now You Can Treat Your Severely Dry Skin in the Shower with Curel Hydratherapy Wet Skin Moisturizer!

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How To Treat Dry Facial Skin

This article was co-authored by Mohiba Tareen, MD. Mohiba Tareen is a board certified Dermatologist and the founder of Tareen Dermatology located in Roseville, Maplewood and Faribault, Minnesota. Dr. Tareen completed medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. While a dermatology resident at Columbia University in New York City, she won the Conrad Stritzler award of the New York Dermatologic Society and was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Tareen then completed a procedural fellowship which focused on dermatologic surgery, laser, and cosmetic dermatology.There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 13 testimonials and 100% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 755,555 times.

How To Prevent Dry Skin

There are lots of lifestyle changes that can help prevent outbreaks of dry skin. These are worth trying if youre prone.

• Keep your skin moisturised with an emollient cream or lotion
• Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated
• Avoid harsh soaps and bubble baths
• Wear protective gloves while using cleaning products
• Reduce the length of your shower or bath
• During colder months, remember to wear gloves outside and while inside, try placing a damp towel on a warm radiator to increase the humidity of the air

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Dry Skin On The Body A Very Common Complaint

Skin dryness is a leading cause of skin complaints, with over 40% of visits to dermatologists relating to dry skin. It can occur anywhere on the body, but is most common on areas such as the hands, feet and shins that are frequently exposed to external factors which can aggravate the condition, e.g. cold weather. Dry skin is also common on the face.

When body skin becomes extremely dry it is prone to symptoms such as tightness, roughness, scaliness, flakiness and itchiness. These may lead to cracked skin.It may not always be obvious that dryness is the cause of these skin symptoms.Dry skinDry skin can feel tight and rough.Very dry skinAs the skin loses further moisture it becomes rougher and may appear scaly. Itchiness is also likely. Extremely dry skinWhen skins condition deteriorates further which could be as a result of ineffective skincare it becomes extremely rough, scaly and flaky. At this stage itching can also become intense.

Affected areas of dry body skin

Dryness can appear anywhere, often found on hands, feet, elbows, knees and shins. Dry skin on the feet is particularly common and often results in cracked heels. Severe cracking can cause pain and inflammation.

Sensitive skin

Dry skin and diseases

Caring For Dry Body Skin

Dry skin is caused by a breakdown in the skins barrier function. This leads to a deficiency of Natural Moisturising Factors which causes a reduction in skins ability to bind in water. Dry skin needs a skincare routine that prevents further deterioration of the skin barrier and replaces missing NMFs. Very dry and extremely dry skin including dry skin caused by Atopic Dermatitis, Diabetes or Psoriasis requires products that have been formulated for the particular level of dryness. When choosing a skin care product for babies and children, always check the age recommendation or ask you pharmacist and/or doctor for advice.

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Problems Associated With Dry Skin

Dry skin very commonly produces itching, which can be severe and interfere with sleep and other daily activities. Repeated rubbing and scratching can produce areas of thickened, rough skin . Dry, thickened skin can crack, especially in areas subject to chronic trauma , causing painful cracks in the skin. Dry skin and scratching may result in a dermatitis or eczema when the skin becomes red in addition to dry and scaly. Round, scaly, itchy, red patches scattered over the legs, arms, and trunk may appear.

The appearance of yellow crusts or pus in these areas indicates that a bacterial infection is developing. If concerned about infection, consult your dermatologist or family physician.

Also, if your skin is very dry, or if you have an associated red dermatitis, it is a good idea to seek the advice of your dermatologist or family physician.

Moisturize Multiple Times A Day

It’s important to slather yourself in moisturizer in the morning and before you snooze, starting with your face. Before you put on pajamas, rub a hydrating body cream all over from your neck down to your feet . It’ll function the same way a night cream for your face does, softening skin and keeping moisture in as you sleep. Try GH Beauty Lab test winner Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair Unscented Body Lotion, which increased skin’s hydration by near-record 60 percent in Lab evaluations.

4. But only wash your face once per day

In the winter, switch to one wash at night so you don’t dry out your skin. And what type of cleanser you use matters, too: Foaming and gel face washes can leave skin squeaky-clean, but also parched due to their stronger cleansing ingredients.

Instead, opt for a gentler cleansing oil or micellar water cleanser, which are less likely to contain the harsh surfactants that can dehydrate skin. For extremely dry skin, try a cleansing balm, which are rich, waterless formulas based on butters and oils that soften skin as they purify and double as makeup remover. Try GH Beauty Award winner Pond’s Cold Cream Makeup Remover Cleansing Balm.

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