Severe dry skin: Causes, how to fix and prevent

Dry, itchy, irritated, scaly skin is something that many of us have been facing. Below are the symptoms and causes of severe dry skin conditions and steps you can take to overcome and prevent, helping to soothe and nourish your irritated, itchy skin.

Dry, itchy, irritated, scaly skin is something that many of us have faced at least once in our lives. The medical term for abnormally dry skin is xerosis cutis. Sometimes people with severe dry skin may need the help of a doctor to combat the condition. However, sometimes, with appropriate home and self-care treatments, we can also find the right moisture supplement for our skin.

Here are the symptoms and causes of severe dry skin conditions and steps you can take to help soothe and nourish your irritated, itchy skin.

1.1. Symptoms of severe dry skin

Symptoms of severe dry skin are often the same as normal dry skin. However, what makes this condition more noticeable is the severity of dryness and irritation, as well as the frequency with which it occurs. If you have more itching than usual, appear larger, scaly dry patches or notice that you are relying too heavily on moisturizer jars, you may be having severe dry skin.

Knowing how to determine a serious dry skin condition is the first step so that we can come up with solutions to overcome it. Dr. Susan Massick, a dermatologist at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, said people who experience severe dry skin often experience the following symptoms:

• Dry skin causes pain, itching or scaly
• Redness becomes more severe or begins to scale, exfoli or peel off scales
• Patches of grey skin in people with darker skin tones
• Skin with small cracks
• Difficulty sleeping at night due to severe itching
• Purulent infections, blisters, odors or pain
• Symptoms do not improve or worsen, despite the use of a moisturizer in prescribed or not in prescribed

1.2. Causes of severe dry skin conditions

Some common causes can be the culprit behind dry skin in a serious way. While not a complete list of causes, Massick argues that these factors are undoubtedly the leading factors that cause severe dry skin conditions.

• Triggers come from the environment. The weather is often the most talked about cause that our skin becomes severely dry, especially in winter. "Not only does the temperature drop, the humidity that leads to drier air can exacerbate your dry skin," Massick explains. Plus, with the use of heaters as well as hot baths under the shower, our skin can lose more moisture than usual.
• Some skin diseases. Skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis can make you more susceptible to dry skin. Massick said: "Eczema (aeritis) is the most common cause of dry and itchy skin in children and also adults.
• Total diseases. In addition to skin conditions, general diseases such as thyroid disease and diabetes, can also increase the risk of severe skin dryness.
• Lack of moisture. Just as our body can be dehydration, so can our skin. That is why Massick emphasizes the importance of moisturizing his skin regularly and also having to drink plenty of water to keep the skin hydrated from the inside.
• age. Dry skin affects all ages. But later in life, you can notice it the most. "Your skin will become more sensitive and thinner over time," Massick said. This can make your skin prone to drying out quickly.
• Nutritional deficiencies. The lack of certain vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin B6 and zinc, can cause dry, itchy skin or skin to take longer to heal.

If severe dry skin causes discomfort but does not affect daily life and your skin shows no signs of infection, you can try the following methods of self-care. In case you have seen a doctor and been prescribed a prescription, continue using it. These home treatments are not intended to replace the treatment plan prescribed by the doctor.

2.1. Use the right soap

Bathing with strong soaps containing stimulants or strong aromas can cause many types of problems for our skin. To moisturize the substrate of the skin, the American College of Dermatology recommends using gentle soaps. If you want to maximize results, consider using skin cleaners instead of soaps. Proposals include:

• Cetaphil Cleanser
• CeraVe Moisturizing Cleanser
• Aquanil Cleanser

2.2. Take time to moisturize

Bathing with the right soap is only part of a plan to limit dry skin. To solve the serious dry skin condition, we also need to moisturize immediately after bathing.

When choosing moisturizers, Massick says look for those that don't contain flavorings, perfumes and dyes. She also points out that ointments and creams are better than lotions because they contain more oil. To minimize skin dryness, Massick said the most effective natural moisturizer is mineral oils. "It has a very good moisturizing effect with large amounts of skin softeners," she explains.

2.3. Temperature drop

This is the simplest change that we can make at home. When you bathe or take a shower, use water that is just warm enough – not hot. Too hot water can inflame the skin and disrupt the skin's natural moisture balance. Also, try to limit the time of bathing or bathing to no more than 10 minutes.

If you want to leave your air conditioning in your home or office at a high level, consider reducing the temperature. Hot air can take away moisture on your skin. One way to replenish the humidity of the air indoors is to use a humidifier in your home or office. Humidifiers can keep moisture circulating indoors, which can help your skin retain its natural moisture more easily.

2.4. Do not rub the skin

Treat the skin gently when washing and drying. Avoid rubbing the skin hard with a towel or sponge when bathing. When drying with a towel, try not to rub the skin. Instead, pat or dry the skin so that the skin still has a little moisture.

2.5. Try using a cold gauze

When symptoms of outbreaks and itching as well as inflammation cause discomfort, consider applying cold compresses to the affected area. To apply the refrigeration yourself:

• Put some ice in a plastic bag or use a small bag to store frozen items
• Drain the towel under cold water, then wrap the damp towel around an ice bag or frozen vegetables.
• Place cold gauze pads on the skin for 15 minutes at a time.
• Gently pat the dry skin when you're done.

2.6. Use over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream

If your dry skin is particularly itchy or irritated, you may consider applying over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or ointment (OTC) to the affected area after cold compresses.

Hydrocortisone creams have a variety of strengths. For lighter intensity, you do not need a prescription. You can find these creams at a pharmacy near your home or online. To get stronger points, you will need a doctor's prescription. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product when applying the cream. You can combine this treatment with moisturizer. First apply the hydrocortisone cream and then apply more moisturizer on top.

2.7. Note what your skin touches

If possible, try using detergents with a formula for sensitive skin. These detergents are usually softer on your skin and less irritated. When choosing clothes, stay away from easy-scratching fabrics such as wool. Fabrics such as cotton and silk allow your skin to breathe, which makes them a good choice for both clothing and bed linen.

2.8. Consider natural products

With growing interest in natural products and organic options, Massick said many consumers are also adopting natural skincare options. With that in mind, pay attention to your kitchen and bathroom. If you have any of these products in natural form, they can be an option for your severe dry skin.

• Honey: With anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, honey can be used as a natural wound healer and moisturizer.
• Coconut oil: With antibacterial and moisturizing properties, coconut oil can help you retain water for the skin and can also reduce inflammation.
• Aloe vera: Often used in the form of gels to soothe sunburned skin, aloe vera contains polysaccharides that can stimulate skin growth and help heal dry, irritated skin.
• Oatmeal: Soaking in a bathtub containing colloidal oatmeal can help soothe dry, irritated skin.

Severe dry skin is a common condition that often reacts to treatment. It tends to appear more in winter when the air is cold and dry and the heating in the house is limited. Keeping enough water, applying a lot of moisturizer to the skin, avoiding too hot air and hot baths can help your skin not get too dry. If your skin is severely dry, home treatments can often be useful. But if your skin does not improve or the symptoms worsen, remember to see a doctor or dermatologist.

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Source: curel.com, healthline.com,