What Causes Dry Patches On Scalp
If your scalp is persistently itchy and you are experiencing issues like dandruff, soreness, and hair fall, you might be suffering from dry patches.
The causes are numerous and run the gamut from lack of moisture in the environment and harsh hair care products to seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis.
While the former two are temporary and can be resolved by adding more hydration to your self-care routine, the latter demands a lot more attention.
So, what is scalp psoriasis?
Its a disease that triggers red, scaly, and flaky patches on the skin that may be mistaken for dandruff. The difference is that psoriasis is a chronic condition and can last for a long time if not treated, unlike dandruff, which comes and goes.
Signs of mild psoriasis can include scaly, powder-like spots that flake off on your clothes, while more serious cases can turn red and put you through some pain.
The worst part about scalp psoriasis is that it does not limit itself to the scalp. You might find it spreading to other parts of your body, such as the forehead, nape of your neck, around the ears, and even the palms, back, or legs.
Dry patches may crop up in all these places, leaving you an itchy, irritated mess. Thats why it is imperative to take immediate action by recognizing the problem for what it is and seeking treatment by a professional.
However, the underlying factors might be related to excess oil production, a fungal infection, or hormonal imbalance, often during pregnancy.
Flaky Skin On Face That Wont Go Away
Flaky skin on the face that wont heal might be a sign of chronic skin condition. Occasionally, dry patches can persist on your face despite the use of skin care products. Eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea are known chronic skin conditions that can lead to dry flaky patches that can refuse to go away easily.
Eczema is autoimmune disorders that are characterized by red itchy dry skin with patches that resemble burns while psoriasis can cause pink or shiny white patches. Similarly, rosacea is a skin condition that can cause red dry spots like bug bites that wont go away easily.
Eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea are not life-threatening but they can affect your beauty. These conditions can be treated through special medication from your doctor. Prescription of steroid drugs, antihistamines, and laser treatment can be used.
You Are Excessive Bathing Your Dog
Unlike you and I, our dogs do not need to be bathed frequently.
Dogs have a layer of natural oils that cover the surface of their skin, helping to keep their skin hydrated and their coat smooth.
Bathing a dog too frequently can strip the skin of this natural oil, ridding them of the ability to keep their skin nice and smooth.
Because of this possibility, a dog should be bathed no more than once every 4-6 weeks.
If your dog does not get themselves into smelly situations often, they can go even longer than this as well.
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Your Dog Has Fungal And Bacterial Infections
Fungal and bacterial infections are a common factor behind dry and scabby skin in dogs.
Bacteria and fungus live everywhere in the world around our pups, offering them plenty of opportunities to set up shop on their skin.
Once these agents settle onto the skin and burrow into the hair follicles, a decline of skin and coat health is imminent.
Dogs with fungal or bacterial skin infections can experience dry skin, dandruff, skin redness, fur loss, open sores, scabs, and even odor.
These types of infections require the use of prescription strength treatment, as every type of condition will have its own recommended treatment plan.
If you think your dog is suffering with any form of bacterial or fungal agent, we suggest seeking veterinary guidance.
How Is Dry Skin Treated
Treatment for dry skin focuses on rehydrating or bringing moisture back to your skin. Treatment for dry skin could include:
- Using moisturizers: Moisturizers are the main form of treatment for most types of dry skin. They smooth and soften dry skin to help prevent cracking and work to recreate your natural skin barrier. Moisturizing products come in ointments, creams, lotions and oils and include ingredients like emollients, which soothe and hydrate your skin, and hyaluronic acid, which increases moisture in your skin
- Taking medications: For extremely dry skin thats itchy or prone to cracking, your healthcare provider may prescribe a topical steroid, which acts to decrease the swelling in your skin that causes a rash and itching. In severe cases, oral or injectable medication may be appropriate.
What type of lotion or moisturizer is best for dry skin?
There are several different moisturizer options available if you have dry skin. When choosing a moisturizer for your dry skin, look for products that:
When choosing a moisturizer, remember that your skin is unique and a product that works for someone else might not be best for you and your skin. Your healthcare provider or your dermatologist can help you choose skin care products designed for you and your dry skin.
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Other Rare Causes Of Dry Skin
- Diabetes is condition that develops due to imbalance of blood sugar hence it can result in excess loss of body water through urine that results to dehydration
- Cholera is a digestive infection that causes vomiting and diarrhea that leads to loss of body water
- Malnutrition that results to white patches on face due to vitamin deficiency
- Dehydration disorders like excessive sweating, excess urination
- Vitiligo, that cause loss of skin pigment leading to white patches
- Acne patches that appear like bug bites on face can make the facial skin dry and scaly
Outbreak Of Small Reddish
When these bumps appear, they often look like pimples. Unlike pimples, they soon develop a yellowish color. Youll usually find these bumps on the buttocks, thighs, crooks of the elbows, or backs of the knees. They can form anywhere though.
Eruptive-xanthomatosis
These bumps appear suddenly and clear promptly when diabetes is well-controlled.
When these bumps appear, they often look like pimples. Unlike pimples, they soon develop a yellowish color. Youll usually find these bumps on the buttocks, thighs, crooks of the elbows, or backs of the knees. They can form anywhere though. No matter where they form, they are usually tender and itchy. The medical name for this skin condition is eruptive xanthomatosis.
Take action
- Tell your doctor about the bumps because this skin condition appears when you have uncontrolled diabetes.
- Talk with your doctor about how to better control your diabetes.
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How Can I Prevent Dry Skin
You can prevent dry skin at home by:
- Cleansing with a mild, fragrance-free, moisturizing non-soap cleanser.
- Taking warm baths or showers.
- Managing stress, which can aggravate eczema and other skin conditions that cause dry skin.
- Minimizing sun exposure, which evaporates oils and moisture from your skin.
- Moisturizing as soon as you finish bathing, while your skin is damp.
- Patting your skin dry with a soft towel.
- Preventing dehydration.
- Stop smoking, as nicotine dries out your skin.
- Using a humidifier to add moisture to your homes air.
How Do I Know If I Have Eczema
If you have eczema, the rash may go away at first. But then it comes back again and again.
Not all rashes itch. But eczema is itchy, itchy, itchy! It often starts in the folds inside your elbows and on the back of your knees. It can also be on your face and other parts of your body. Many things besides eczema can cause a rash. That’s why your doctor is the best person to see to figure out what’s causing your rash.
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The Appearance Of Dry Skin
The normally fine lines in the skin become more visible, the skin feels rough and appears dull and flaky. In more advanced cases, fish net-like cracks resembling the fine fracture lines of cracked porcelain can occur. Dry skin occurs most commonly on the arms and legs, but can also affect the trunk of the body. Dermatologists often call dry skin “xerosis” or “asteatosis”.
Open Sores And Wounds
Having high blood sugar for a long time can lead to poor circulation and nerve damage. You may have developed these if youve had uncontrolled diabetes for a long time.
Poor circulation and nerve damage can make it hard for your body to heal wounds. This is especially true on the feet. These open wounds are called diabetic ulcers.
Diabetes and feet
- Get immediate medical care for an open sore or wound.
- Work with your doctor to better control your diabetes.
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Circular Or Oval Patches Of Eczema
Circular or oval patches of eczema can affect any part of the body, although they don’t usually affect the face or scalp.
They start as a group of small red spots or bumps on the skin which join up to form larger pink, red or brown patches that can range from a few millimetres to several centimetres in size.
Extremely Dry Itchy Skin
Dry, itchy skin
If you have diabetes, youre more likely to have dry skin. High blood sugar can cause this. If you have a skin infection or poor circulation, these could also contribute to dry, itchy skin.
Take action
- Tell your doctor about your extremely dry skin. Gaining better control of diabetes can reduce dryness.
- If you continue to have dry skin after you gain better control of your diabetes, a dermatologist can help.
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Dry White Patches On Face
The occurrence of dry white patches or spots on the skin of the face can affect lips, nose, cheeks, and forehead. Dry white spots can give your face gray appearance which can be described as an ashy face. These patches can be either itchy or non-itchy depending on the causal agent.
Dry white patches on face are a common sign associated with any skin condition that can cause skin dehydration. Also, other skin infections can affect superficial layer of the skin which may result in scaly white patches.
Dry white spots are may also appear on the face of your child, infant or toddler. Teenagers and adults can also be affected by dry patches on face.
Dry white patches on the face can be a sign of either harmless or serious skin condition. It is quite important to seek the help of your doctor in case your face develops chronic itchy dry white patches that threaten your beauty.
Causes Of Dry Patches On Face
Dry skin on the face is caused by various factors. Some of the causal agents that result in dry patches on the skin of the face are natural factors that we cannot control. However, dry patches on the skin can be managed by several skincare practices.
The following includes the causes of dry skin on the face:
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When To See A Doctor
If you have dry, scaly skin that doesn’t go away, jot down any other symptoms you have and when they happen. Make an appointment to see a dermatologist. Moisturizers can help soothe some types of scaly skin, but not all. Ask your doctor about treatments for your specific condition.
Show Sources
American Skin Association: âDry Skin.â
American Academy of Dermatology: âActinic Keratosis: Signs And Symptoms,â âActinic Keratosis: Overview,â âActinic Keratosis: Who Gets and Causes,â âDry, scaly, and painful hands could be hand eczema,â âHow Skin Grows,â âIchthyosis Vulgaris: Overview,â âLichen Planus: Overview,â âLichen Planus: Signs And Symptoms.â
University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics: âWinter Dry Skin.â
National Eczema Association: âUnderstanding your eczema.â
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: âIchthyosis Overview,â âWhat Is Atopic Dermatitis?â
Mayo Clinic: âDandruff: Symptoms and Causes,â âPsoriasis: Causes,â âPsoriasis: Definition,â âPsoriasis: Symptoms.â
UpToDate: âPatient education: Diaper rash in infants and children .â
Merck Manual Professional Version: âPityriasis Rosea.â
The Myositis Association: âDermatomyositis.â
Diagnosing The Underlying Cause Of Scaling Skin
When you initially recognize scaling skin, you may simply apply lotion and not give it much thought. After all, its very common for skin to sometimes scale during periods of cold, dry weather or after prolonged sun exposure. However, if your scaling skin doesnt improve, spreads, or worsens, you may want to see your healthcare provider.
Your healthcare provider will ask about your medical history and your symptoms. If you can pinpoint when the symptoms first appeared, it may help your healthcare provider determine a cause. Whether or not your skin itches or if anything provides relief could also help in diagnosing the problem.
The diagnosis is made based on the appearance of your skin, your history of exposure to any irritating or allergenic substances, and any accompanying symptoms.
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Prevention Of Facial Dry Patches
Tips to prevent dry skin on the face include:
- Cleanse the skin daily with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser.
- Keep showers under 10 minutes, and use warm water instead of hot water.
- Find methods of managing stress .
- Minimize sun exposure .
- Apply a good moisturizer immediately after bathing or showering while the skin is still damp.
- Pat the face dry, avoiding vigorously rubbing the skin when drying it. Also, avoid scrubbing when cleansing the face.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated .
- Eat healthy fats .
- Avoid smoking .
- Use a room humidifier to moisturize the air.
Treatment For Bowen’s Disease
Treatment options include:
- Cryosurgery the lesion is destroyed with intense cold. This type of treatment has a success rate of around 90 per cent when conducted by specialists.
- Curettage the lesion is scraped off the skin with a curette and the base of the wound is treated with cauterisation, where the skin is lightly burnt with an electric current. It has a success rate of around 90 per cent when performed by dermatologists.
- Topical creams these are applied to the lesion to kill its cells. They include 5-fluorouracil cream and Imiquimod cream. Success rates are similar to PDT.
- Surgery the lesion is cut out and the wound is sutured closed. This treatment has a near 100 per cent success rate, but will leave a surgical scar.
- Radiation therapy is rarely used now.
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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.
What Should I Eat Or Drink With Dry Skin
Certain foods and drinks can pull water from your body and cause dehydration. Avoid food and drinks that contain:
- Alcohol.
- Salt.
Are there side effects of having dry skin?
Untreated or severely dry skin can cause your skin to crack open and bleed. Open sores or wounds from these cracks expose your body to germs that can cause infections. Rarely, dry, itchy skin can indicate a more serious health problem, such as diabetes or kidney disease.
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Fungal Infection Around Groin Area
Jock itch is one of the most common forms of fungal infection of the skin. Jock itch is also referred to as tinea curries, and commonly affect your genitals, inner thighs, and buttock. Jock itch is known to cause an itchy, red and often ring-shaped rash.
The warm, moist areas of the body provide an ideal condition for the growth of the fungus causing this rash. It is common for people who sweat a lot and those who are overweight.
Managing Eczema In Winter And Year Round: A Parents Guide
Cold, dry outdoor air and indoor heating can rob skin of its natural moisture in the winter. Red, crusty, dry patches can be common on a baby’s skin, particularly in winter, and cause concern for parents. Such symptoms can be treated, however, and many babies and children do outgrow the dry, itchy skin of atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema.
We spoke with pediatric dermatologist Katherine Puttgen to learn more.
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Eczema Or Atopic Dermatitis
Eczema is an autoimmune skin disorder that can lead to dry or scaly patches on the face. The disorder can also affect the skin to develop rough surface with itchy spots. Occasionally, eczema can also manifest itself on the skin by showing small red bumps that burst, ooze out fluids and finally crust over.
Eczema is a common condition that affects the skin of babies and children. Your Infants and toddlers may show up dry spots or patches on face. Also, teenagers and adults can be affected by eczema on the skin to develop a dry scaly skin on the face.
What Causes Discoid Eczema
The exact cause of discoid eczema is uncertain. However, most people with discoid eczema have generally dry skin. One theory is that the dry skin upsets the normal fatty layer within the outer layer of the skin which usually helps to protect the skin. Because this protection is lost, special proteins that can cause allergy can penetrate through the skin. This can lead to an allergic or irritant response in the skin, so leading to the patches of eczema. In fact, some doctors actually consider discoid eczema as a form of adult-onset atopic dermatitis.
Sometimes certain medicines can trigger discoid eczema in some people. For example, medicines used to treat hepatitis C infection . Insect bites or injury to the skin can also trigger an outbreak of discoid eczema in some people.
Because the fatty, protective layer within the skin is lost, it is thought that some people with discoid eczema may also have an increased risk of developing contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis is eczema that is caused by your skin reacting to a substance it has come into contact with. Such substances can include nickel in jewellery or belt buckles, cosmetics, preservatives in creams and ointments, additives to leather, etc. See the separate leaflet called Contact Dermatitis for more details.
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