Why does skin become dry?
The upper stratum corneum of the skin is structured like brickwork: cells are held together by lipids that retain water. When this barrier is damaged or little lipid is produced, water evaporates and the skin becomes rough and sensitive. With age, the activity of the sebaceous glands decreases, so dryness is very common in older people. The barrier is destroyed by hot water, soap, alcohol lotions, scrubs and frequent use of antiseptics. Heating, air conditioning and wind speed up the evaporation of moisture.
- Hot showers and long baths
- Alkaline soap and aggressive gels
- Dry air, heat, frost and wind
- Age-related decrease in sebum production
- Frequent hand washing and antiseptics
- Insufficient skin care
Diseases in which dry skin is a symptom
Severe dryness from childhood is characteristic of atopic dermatitis and ichthyosis, a hereditary disorder of keratinization in which the skin is covered with scales. Sudden dryness in an adult may be a sign of hypothyroidism, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or nutritional deficiencies. The skin becomes dry when taking certain medications, such as diuretics, retinoids, and statins. Dryness and itching often accompany psoriasis, eczema and contact dermatitis.
- Atopic dermatitis
- Ichthyosis
- Hypothyroidism
- Diabetes mellitus
- Chronic kidney disease
- Side effects of drugs
Symptoms
Dry skin feels tight, especially after washing. It looks dull, rough, with fine flaking, sometimes covered with a network of fine cracks, similar to cracked porcelain. The shins, forearms, hands and sides of the torso are most often affected. Dryness increases itching, and scratching damages the barrier even more. With prolonged course, redness and inflammation appear - the so-called asteatotic eczema. Painful cracks form on the hands and heels.
- Feeling of tightness
- Peeling and roughness
- Itching
- A network of small cracks
- Redness and inflammation
- Cracks on hands and heels
Survey
The dermatologist assesses the prevalence and nature of dryness, the presence of inflammation and signs of other skin diseases, and asks about the washing regimen, care products, medications and working conditions. If dryness is severe, appears suddenly, or is combined with other symptoms, tests are prescribed to look for internal causes. If ichthyosis or other hereditary diseases are suspected, genetic consultation may be required. In case of inflammation, the doctor decides whether anti-inflammatory therapy is needed.
- Examination by a dermatologist
- TSH to rule out hypothyroidism
- Blood glucose
- Creatinine
- General blood test
- Analysis of medications taken
Care and treatment
The basis of treatment is the daily use of emollients and emollients. They are applied immediately after a shower to slightly damp skin, and for severe dryness - 2 times a day or more often. Creams and balms with urea, glycerin, ceramides, and petroleum jelly work well. It is better to wash briefly, with warm water, using mild cleansers without soap. For inflammation, your doctor may prescribe a short course of anti-inflammatory cream. If dryness is caused by an illness, treat its cause.
- Short warm shower instead of hot bath
- Gentle, soap-free cleansers
- Emollient immediately after washing
- Humidifier in a dry room
- Gloves when working with water and in the cold
- Cotton clothes instead of wool on the body