Overview

The water itself (especially hot water) can make the problem of dry skin worse by removing the usual protective oils from the skin. Though bathing and showering add water to the skin, it is the evaporation of this water after the dive that causes dry skin. Prolonged baths or showers in hot water increase the loss of natural oils from the skin and aggravate dryness.

Unless one changes the skin care, dry air can make wrinkles and fine lines more visible. If our skin is dry and rough, clothes and laundry detergent can also cause irritation. To mitigate the effects of your hygiene,  you have to use warm water (hot water wicks away moisture from your skin) and dry your hands rather than dry them with a paper towel.

Dry skin may suggest a compromised skin barrier and can happen on any part of the body, including the legs.

What is dry skin?

Dry skin, also known as xerosis, is a very common problem in today's society, affecting people of all ages, including babies. People with skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis (eczema) or psoriasis tend to have dry skin. Other diseases, such as psoriasis and type 2 diabetes, can also cause dry skin.

What causes dry skin?

Dry and itchy skin is often caused by environmental factors such as cold and frequent bathing, as well as medical conditions such as atopic dermatitis and malnutrition.

Any heat source, from space heaters and central heating to fireplaces and wood stoves, can lower the humidity in a room and make your skin dry. Taking long, hot showers or soaking in a hot bath could cause your dry skin. Swimmers can also dry out their skin, as the chemistry of the pool water actually absorbs moisture from the skin.

frequent exposure to wind and sun can cause water to evaporate from the skin leaving the surface dry and itchy. But too much water can actually dry out or cause it to crack and irritate when exposed to hot water.

According to Freiling, skin problems such as psoriasis and eczema can make the skin more prone to dryness, but dry skin may also indicate something that seems unrelated, such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, malnutrition, kidney failure, or Shegren’s synthesis Levy.

What are the characteristics  of dry skin?

Dry skin has several characteristics, including: it has a thin and discolored outer layer, with slightly clogged pores, and wrinkles and fine lines appear on it, and it is dry and flaky, without oils and fats, and black spots and grains do not appear on it, and it is tight most of the time, in addition to irritation and redness after cleaning.

What are the symptoms of dry skin?

Sometimes, the only symptom of dry skin is itching, although most people also will notice that their skin is flaky and slightly more wrinkled than normal. Symptoms of dry skin may worsen during the winter months, especially if you spend a lot of time indoors, where the heated air is dry.

What is the treatment for dry skin?

Keep your skin moist by taking less baths or showers, using warm water instead of hot water, and applying lotions, ointments or creams after bathing when it starts to dry out. If you notice an itchy dry rash returned, use moisturizers and a steroid cream or ointment.

Takeaway

Your skin should start to feel better quickly. If the changes do not bring relief, you may want to see a dermatologist. Very dry skin can require a prescription ointment or cream. Dry skin also can be a sign of a skin condition that needs treatment. A dermatologist can examine your skin and explain what can help reduce your discomfort.

DISCLAIMER    

Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice.