Dry Skin

Overview

Dry skin (xerosis) is skin that lacks moisture and becomes rough, flaky, tight, and often itchy. It is extremely common and usually worsens in cold, dry weather or with frequent hot bathing and harsh soaps. While often a simple skin-care problem, persistent or widespread dry skin can also reflect an internal condition such as an underactive thyroid or diabetes, and can lead to itching and skin cracking that lets in infection.

Common causes and contributors

• Cold, dry weather and low humidity, or air-conditioning.
• Frequent hot baths and harsh soaps or detergents.
• Ageing — skin loses moisture with age.
• An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) — see Thyroid Disorders.
• Diabetes — causes dry, itchy skin and lowers skin resistance (see Diabetic Skin Problems).
• Eczema and atopic tendency (see Eczema / Dermatitis).
• Certain medicines.

Evaluation

Simple dry skin is usually recognised on examination and improves with skin care. When dry skin is persistent, widespread, or accompanied by tiredness, weight change, cold intolerance or thirst, blood tests for thyroid function and blood sugar are arranged. See Thyroid Disorders and Abnormal Test Results.

Management and skin care

Management centres on regular use of moisturisers (emollients), gentle cleansing with mild soap or soap substitutes, short warm (not hot) baths, applying moisturiser while the skin is damp, and using a humidifier in dry conditions. Any underlying thyroid or diabetic cause is treated. See Eczema / Dermatitis for inflamed dry skin.

Warning signs — seek prompt care

• Dry, cracked skin that becomes red, hot or weepy — possible infection.
• Persistent dry skin with tiredness, weight gain, cold intolerance or constipation — check thyroid.
• Dry skin with thirst and frequent urination — check blood sugar.

How we help

Dr. Nayak advises on skin care, identifies and treats any underlying cause such as thyroid disease or diabetes, and treats complications such as infection. Consultations are available in-clinic in Bhubaneswar and over teleconsultation.

Related conditions and patient concerns

• Itching / Pruritus
• Eczema / Dermatitis
• Thyroid Disorders
• Diabetic Skin Problems
• Generalised Itching