(See also Itching Itching Itching can be very uncomfortable. It is one of the most common reasons people see doctors who specialize in skin disorders (dermatologists). Itching makes people want to scratch. Scratching... read more .)
Normal skin owes its soft, pliable texture to its water content. To help protect against water loss, the outer layer of skin contains oil, which slows evaporation and holds moisture in the deeper layers of skin. If the oil is depleted, the skin becomes dry. Dry skin, unless it is an inherited disorder or is caused by another condition, is called xeroderma.
Dry skin is common, especially among people past middle age. Risk factors for dry skin include
Cold, dry weather
Frequent bathing, particularly if using harsh soaps
Older age
Bathing washes away surface oils, allowing the skin to dry out. Dry skin may become irritated and often itches. Sometimes it sloughs off in small flakes and scales. Scaling most often affects the lower legs.
Rubbing or scratching dry skin can lead to infection and scarring.
Diagnosis of Dry Skin
A doctor's examination of the skin
Doctors diagnose dry skin when they see dry, mildly to moderately scaly skin that comes off in small flakes.
Treatment of Dry Skin
Moisturizers
Other measures to prevent dryness
The key to treating dry skin is keeping the skin moist.
Moisturizing ointments or creams containing petroleum jelly, mineral oil, or glycerin can also hold water in the skin and should be used immediately after bathing. Moisturizers that contain certain substances such as lactic acid or salicylic acid can also be used.
Taking fewer baths and using lukewarm instead of hot water allows protective oils to remain on the skin.
Harsh soaps, detergents, and the perfumes in some moisturizers irritate the skin and may further dry it.
Drugs Mentioned In This Article
| Generic Name | Select Brand Names |
|---|---|
mineral oil |
Fleet, Kondremul, Liqui-Doss, Muri-Lube |
glycerin |
Colace Glycerin, Fleet, Fleet Pedia-Lax, HydroGel, Introl , Lubrin, Orajel Dry Mouth, Osmoglyn, Sani-Supp |
salicylic acid |
Akurza , Aliclen, Bensal HP, Clear Away, Clear Away Liquid, Clear Away One Step, Clear Away Plantar, Clearasil Rapid Rescue Deep Treatment, Compound W, Compound W Total Care Wart & Skin, Corn/Callus Remover, Curad Mediplast, DermacinRx Atrix, Dermarest Psoriasis Moisturizer, Dermarest Psoriasis Overnight Treatment, Dermarest Psoriasis Scalp Treatment, Dermarest Psoriasis Shampoo plus Conditioner, Dermarest Psoriasis Skin Treatment, Dr. Scholl's Callus Removers, Dr. Scholl's Corn Removers, Dr. Scholl's Extra Thick Callus Remover, Dr. Scholl's One Step Callus Remover, Dr. Scholl's One Step Corn Removers, Dr. Scholl's Ultra, Dr.Scholl's Dual Action FREEZE AWAY, Dr.Scholl's Duragel, DuoFilm Wart Remover, Freezone, Gold Bond Psoriasis Relief, Gordofilm , Hydrisalic, Ionil, Ionil Plus, Keralyt, Keralyt 5, Keralyt Scalp Complete, MOSCO Callus & Corn Remover, MOSCO One Step Corn Remover, Neutrogena Acne Wash, Neutrogena T/Sal Scalp, Occlusal-HP, P&S, RE SA , SalAC, Salactic Film , Salacyn, Salex, Salimez, Salimez Forte, Salisol , Salisol Forte , Salitech, Salitech Forte, Salitop , Salkera, Salvax, Scalpicin 2 in 1 Anti-Dandruff, Selsun Blue, Thera-Sal , Trans-Ver-Sal, UltraSal-ER, VIRASAL, Wart-Off, XALIX |
