Dry Skin: Causes and Treatment

The skin is the largest organ in the body, and to keep it moisturized, the body produces a number of different natural oils. However, with age, environmental, and other skin associated conditions, the body produces less oil. The skin is made up of three layers; the epidermis, the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Dry skin condition is associated with the epidermal or uppermost layer. The thin layer that covers the epidermis and the space between skin cells in the intercellular matrix (stratum corneum) gets damaged, resulting in an inability to keep moisture intact.

Causes: Besides the common age-related cause, following are other factors that contribute to the condition of dry skin:

• Genetic Inheritance: Inherited skin disorders are known to cause dry skins.
• Low Humidity: When the skin is constantly exposed to warm and cold air, it dries.
• Heaters: During the winters, heaters and forced-air furnaces make skin dry.
• Metabolic Factors: Thyroid or excessive weight loss results in loss of skin elasticity.
• Hormones: Any imbalance in testosterone or estrogen can lead to reduced natural oil production.
• Illness: Prolonged intake of medications is also known to cause dry skin.
• Soap: Harsh soaps that use deodorizing or anti-bacterial properties wash away body's natural oils leading to dry skin.
• Swimming: Excessive swimming in strongly chlorinated hot or cold water is a common cause of dry skin.
• Sunlight: Excessive exposure to harsh sunlight tends to draw out moisture from skin leaving it dry.
• Vitamin A: The lack of vitamin A in the diet can also cause the skin to be dry.
• Skin Disorders: Skin related diseases like eczema, rosacea and psoriasis cause constant frictional irritation and chapping.
• Alcohol and Drugs: Excessive intake of alcohol and drugs can visibly dry the skin.
• Dehydration: Loss of bodily fluids, as with severe diarrhea, vomiting or profuse sweating, can cause skin to dry and lose its elasticity.

Symptoms: Following are some symptoms that are exhibited during the condition of dry skin:

• Dry skin commonly occurs on the face, neck, lower legs, arms, thighs, and abdomen.
• Skin appears rough, shrunken or dehydrated.
• Itching, scaling, flaking and peeling, that sometimes may be severe.
• Fine lines (wrinkle), redness or cracks.
• Deep fissures may result in bleeding.

Treatment: Dry skin is just a temporary problem, that can easily be prevented. Following are some preventive measures one can take to avoid a dry skin condition:

• Regularly use skin creams and moisturizes.
• Apply a rich emollient liberally and often, especially after bathing, and when itchy.
• Avoid frequent hand-washing and bathing in hot or cold water.
• Use soaps and gels that are mild and moisture or oil-based.
• Keep yourself well hydrated.
• Avoid over exposure extreme climatic conditions such as wind, cold, air and sun.

Though remedial treatment for dry skin will cure most symptoms, it is necessary to seek medical attention, when dry skin conditions are prolonged and develop into skin disorders such as eczema, folliculitis, cellulitis, etc.

Dry skin can be effectively managed by practicing good skin care habits and using skin care solutions when necessary. There are many natural and herbal remedies one can use to treat and heal dry skin conditions.