Causes, Symptoms, Drugs, and How to Take Care of It

Definition of dry skin

Dry skin is a problem that occurs when the top layer of skin (epidermis) doesn’t get enough moisture. As a result, the skin looks like scaly, peeling, and cracks.

In medical terms, dry skin is also known as xerosis. This condition can occur in any part of the body, but is most commonly seen on the hands and feet.

Anyone can get this skin condition, but older people are usually more susceptible. This is because the elderly have decreased sebum production, which is a natural oil that functions as a skin lubricant.

Skin that has xerosis tends to be more sensitive and prone to breakage. If your skin is very dry and left untreated, there are an array of complications lurking, from bacterial infections to eczema (atopic dermatitis) to bleeding cracks in the skin.

However, this condition can certainly be treated by reducing the factors that increase the risk. You can consult a doctor for more information.

Symptoms of dry skin (xerosis)

Dry skin (xerosis) generally shows the following special characteristics.

Skin feels rough and looks uneven.
Skin feels tight and tight, especially after showering.
Scaly, peeling, or cracked skin.
Cracked skin can sometimes bleed.
The skin feels itchy more often (pruritus).
There are differences in skin color, for example reddish or grayish.
White streaks appear when you scratch your skin.

There may be signs and symptoms that weren’t mentioned. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When to see a doctor for dry skin (xerosis)?

Dry skin can usually be treated with lifestyle changes and home treatments. However, you need to go to the doctor immediately if any of the following conditions exist.

The skin condition never gets better even though it has been treated.
Dry skin accompanied by redness on the surface.
The skin is so dry and itchy that it interferes with sleep.
There is an open wound or infection from a scratch on the skin that is too dry.
The area of dry skin that is scaly and flaky is too large,

Do not underestimate the various marks on the skin that have interfered with your daily activities. The reason is, the symptoms you experience may indicate certain skin diseases.

Causes of dry skin

Here are a number of things that often cause xerosis.

1. Cold or hot weather

The skin is usually at its driest when the weather is cold or dry. At this time, the air temperature and humidity decrease. Apart from that, the hot climate during the dry season can also make the skin dry out due to dehydration.

2. Sun exposure

Sun exposure in any climate can dehydrate the skin. This is because ultraviolet rays can penetrate deep beneath the surface of the skin. As a result, the skin loses its natural moisture.

3. Take a warm shower too long

Bathing with warm water can feel soothing. However, this habit can actually make the skin dry and flaky if done too long. Similar effects can occur if you use water that is too hot.

Therefore, limit your shower time to no more than 5 minutes. Also, make sure that the temperature of the water you use doesn’t burn your skin.

3. Use of harsh soaps and detergents

Soaps, detergents, and harsh cleaning products contain a variety of chemicals that can remove moisture from your skin. These products usually come with a cleaning agent called a surfactant.

Surfactants are cleaning agents that have an alkaline pH. Products that have an alkaline pH can damage the outer layer of skin, which acts as a barrier. The skin eventually becomes dry and irritates easily.

4. Not drinking enough water

The rule of drinking eight glasses of water per day is not just a myth. The reason is, the body does need enough fluids to work properly. Lack of drinking water can dehydrate your skin, making it look dry and radiant.

5. Use of certain drugs

Certain drugs such as acne medications can make facial skin peel and experience dryness. The various acne medications that cause this side effect are retinol, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide.

6. Symptoms of certain diseases

Certain diseases can make the skin dry out even more. Eczema and psoriasis are examples of skin diseases that cause symptoms in the form of dry, crusty, cracked and bleeding skin.

Risk factors for this condition

Anyone can have a problem with dry skin. However, the risk is higher in people with the following conditions.

Are over 40 years of age.
Living in a climate that is dry, cold, or has low humidity.
Have a job that requires you to be in contact with water every day.
Often swim in pools that contain chlorine.

Diagnosis & treatment of dry skin

How is this condition diagnosed?

To diagnose dry skin, aka xerosis, the doctor will perform a physical examination and ask about your medical history. This also includes when the signs of dry skin appear, what makes them worse, how to treat the skin, etc.

In addition, the doctor will also perform diagnostic tests if dry skin is suspected to be due to certain medical conditions.

What are the treatments for dry skin (xerosis)?

In most cases, dry skin can be treated with a variety of home remedies. However, if your skin problem is severe enough, the doctor will recommend a special cream that can hold water against the skin so it doesn’t evaporate easily.

Very dry skin conditions can also be treated with prescription medications such as corticosteroids or immune system modulators such as tacrolimus and pimecrolimus. This medication helps relieve itching, redness, and swelling.

Keep in mind that some creams for dry skin can be quite irritating when applied to skin that has eczema or has chapped skin. So, you need to mention your medical history regarding your skin in as much detail as possible.

Home remedies

The various lifestyle and home remedies below can help you deal with dry scaly skin.

1. Routinely use a moisturizer for dry skin

Applying moisturizer regularly throughout the day can help make dry skin softer and smoother. The right moisturizer will act as a protective top layer of skin that prevents water from leaving the body.

Usually this product contains three main types of ingredients, namely as follows.

Humectant with the main function to lock skin moisture. Examples of humectants are glycerin, sorbitol, hyaluronic acid, and lecithin.
Emollients which plays a role in smoothing the skin by filling in the spaces between skin cells. Examples of emollients are linoleic and lauric acids.
Other ingredients to maintain the skin’s natural moisture, such as petrolatum (petroleum jelly), silicone, and lanolin.

In general, the denser and oilier the texture of a moisturizer, the more effective it will be. Among the most effective moisturizers, petroleum jelly is one of the best.

Although effective, petroleum jelly it is usually very oily and does not penetrate the skin. You can get around this by wearing it at night. Apply regularly several times a day, especially after bathing when the skin is still damp.

2. Using bath products made from soft

Choose a gentle skin cleanser without alcohol or other chemical additives. If you are in doubt about the content of a product, ask your doctor to determine what product is right for your skin.

3.Using an air humidifier (humidifier)

Humidifier works by adjusting the humidity in your home. That way, the air in the house will not be affected by hot or cold weather. The skin does not dry out easily because the moisture is always maintained.

4. Apply coconut oil

Coconut oil contains fatty acids that help keep the skin moisturized. Fatty acids also protect the skin from various environmental factors that can damage its protective layer. Just apply regularly to get the results.

5. Use gloves when washing

Dry skin problems, especially on the hands, are often caused by detergents that are too harsh. On the other hand, avoiding using detergent seems impossible because you have to wash your clothes every day.

You can solve this by wearing non-latex gloves when washing clothes. That way, your skin will not come into direct contact with detergents which can irritate the skin.

6. Take a shower oatmeal

Research published in Journal of Drugs in Dermatology states that oatmeal has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Both of these ingredients are proven to help treat dry skin.

To reap the benefits, choose oatmeal colloids devoted to bathing. Pour it oatmeal into a bathtub filled with warm water and then shower or bathe.

7. Apply honey

If your facial skin is dry, honey may be able to fix it. A 2012 study found that honey helps nourish dry skin. This natural ingredient is useful as a moisturizer, wound healer, and anti-inflammatory.

Try using honey as a face mask to help restore moisture. You can apply it directly to the skin of your face or mix it into other mask ingredients such as lemon juice.

8. Apply aloe vera

Aloe or Aloe vera including natural ingredients that can also be used to treat dry skin. You can use an extract Aloe vera which has been processed or using the gel from the aloe vera plant directly.

During the first use, try rubbing a little aloe vera gel on your skin to see if there is an allergic reaction. If not, you can apply it to problematic skin and leave it on overnight.

9. Do not rub the skin too hard

Dry and scaly skin is easily injured. Therefore, avoid rubbing your skin too hard after bathing, either with your hands or with tools such as sponges and brushes. You only need to pat the skin with a towel to dry off.

Healthy skin gets enough fluids so that the surface feels supple and supple. If the skin is dehydrated, the top layer will become dehydrated. The skin also feels dry, scaly, itchy, and sometimes cracks.

Dry skin is actually a fairly common problem. This condition can be overcome by getting enough fluids and avoiding habits that can irritate or irritate the skin.

However, if the various methods you do do not restore the skin to its original condition, it’s a good idea to consult a dermatologist to find out the cause.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

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