Dry Skin: Symptoms, Causes, and Dermatologist-Approved Treatment

Dry skin makes the skin look and feel rough, itchy, flaky or scaly. It is a common condition that affects people of all ages. The medical term for dry skin is xerosis or xeroderma.

You may experience dry skin only in winter, or it could be a lifelong concern. The good news is that you can do a lot on your own to improve it. Self-care steps include moisturizing, choosing products that are gentle on your skin, and protecting your skin from the sun.

This guide covers the signs, causes, and dermatologist-approved ways to treat and prevent dry skin.

Symptoms of Dry Skin

The symptoms of dry skin can vary based on your age, health status, skin tone, living environment, and sun exposure. Common signs include:

• A feeling of skin tightness
• Skin that feels and looks rough
• Itchiness (pruritus)
• Slight to severe flaking, scaling, or peeling
• A cracked “dry riverbed” look on the legs
• Fine lines or cracks
• Skin that ranges from reddish on white skin to grayish on brown and Black skin
• Deep cracks that may bleed
• A feeling of pain, stinging, or burning on the skin

On darker skin tones, the flaking, discoloration, and rough texture are more noticeable. Flaking creates an ashy look that can affect dry brown and Black skin. You can reduce the whitish or grayish-white appearance of dry skin by using a moisturizer with ceramides.

Signs of Excessively Dry Skin

Everyday dry skin differs from excessively dry skin, which can require a dermatologist’s help. Excessively dry skin has lost a lot of moisture, so it is noticeably dehydrated. Signs include:

• Flakes and rough texture
• Cracks in the skin that can become deep and may bleed
• Constant itch that can make it difficult to sleep or focus
• Skin that feels painful, stings, or burns
• Wrinkled with a rough, loose texture
• Skin infections from breaks in the outer layer allowing germs to enter

Causes of Dry Skin

Dry skin happens because of water loss from the outer layer of skin. Many everyday factors can cause or worsen dry skin.

Common Causes

• Heat. Central heating, wood-burning stoves, space heaters, and fireplaces all reduce humidity.
• Environment. Living in cold, windy conditions or low-humidity climates.
• Too much bathing or scrubbing. Taking long, hot showers or baths or scrubbing your skin too much can dry it out. Bathing more than once a day can remove the natural oils from your skin.
• Harsh soaps and detergents. Many popular soaps, detergents, and shampoos strip moisture from your skin because they are formulated to remove oil.
• Other skin conditions. People with conditions like atopic dermatitis (eczema) or psoriasis are more likely to have dry skin.
• Medical treatments. Some people develop dry, thick skin after receiving treatment for cancer, having dialysis, or taking certain medicines.
• Aging. As people age, the skin thins and makes less of the oils needed for the skin to hold water.

Risk Factors for Dry Skin

Anyone can develop dry skin, but you are more likely to if you:

• Are older than 40
• Live in climates with low humidity
• Have a job that requires you to put your hands in water often or use harsh soaps (e.g., nursing, hairstyling, dishwashing)
• Use your hands to work with cement, clay, or soil
• Have certain medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism, ichthyosis, diabetes, or malnutrition

By 60 years of age, nearly everyone has dry skin. With age, our skin produces less sebum, an oil that keeps skin soft and youthful. By your 40s, the amount of sebum your body makes drops dramatically, and it continues to drop after that.

When to See a Doctor

Most cases of dry skin respond well to lifestyle changes and home remedies. However, you should see a healthcare professional or dermatologist if:

• You have tried self-care steps but your signs and symptoms persist
• Your skin becomes inflamed or painful
• You develop dry, thick skin as a side effect of cancer treatment
• Your condition makes you so uncomfortable that you are losing sleep or are distracted from your daily routines
• You have open sores or infections from scratching
• You have large areas of scaly or peeling skin

To diagnose dry skin, your healthcare professional will look at your skin, ask about your medical history, and discuss your bathing habits and skin care routine. Sometimes dry skin is a symptom of another skin condition, such as atopic dermatitis or psoriasis.

Dermatologist-Approved Self-Care Tips

Dry skin often responds well to self-care, such as using moisturizers and avoiding long, hot showers and baths. Here are seven tips from board-certified dermatologists:

1. Take Short, Warm Baths and Showers

Take short (5 or 10 minutes) baths and showers in warm water. Hot water and spending too much time bathing tends to worsen dry skin.

2. Pat Skin Dry and Leave It Damp

After getting out of a bath or shower, gently pat (don’t scrub) your skin with a towel but leave some water on your skin so that it feels damp. You will use moisturizer to seal in this water.

3. Apply Moisturizer Immediately

Slather on a mild, fragrance-free moisturizer immediately after toweling off. Creams and ointments tend to be more effective than lotions. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a cream or ointment that contains ingredients such as petroleum jelly, jojoba oil, shea butter, glycerin, mineral oil, or lanolin.

4. Use Gentle, Fragrance-Free Products

Dry skin is easily irritated, so deodorant soaps and products that contain alcohol or fragrance can irritate your dry, sensitive skin. Use gentle, fragrance-free skin care products.

5. Moisturize Your Hands After Washing

Apply a fragrance-free hand cream every time you wash your hands.

6. Moisturize Throughout the Day

Relieve extremely dry skin by applying a cream or ointment throughout the day. This helps keep your skin hydrated.

7. Wear Breathable, Loose-Fitting Clothes

Wear loose-fitting clothes made of a breathable fabric like cotton. Tight-fitting clothes like leggings and rough fabrics like wool can irritate your dry skin.

Treatment Options

Self-Care

For most people, self-care steps are enough to manage dry skin. This includes using moisturizers, taking shorter showers, and avoiding harsh soaps.

Over-the-Counter Products

If you have very dry skin, your healthcare professional will likely suggest a moisturizing product designed to meet your needs. If dry skin becomes itchy, your healthcare professional may suggest a cream with hydrocortisone in it.

Important: Be sure to talk with your healthcare professional before you try a cream or lotion that you can buy without a prescription to ease itching. Some products may have ingredients that make dry skin worse.

Prescription Treatments

If you have a serious skin disease, treatment may include a prescription cream or lotion.

Use a Humidifier

Dry indoor air can dry out your skin. Using a humidifier can add moisture to the air and help prevent dry skin.

Complications of Dry Skin

Dry skin is usually harmless. But when it is not cared for, it may lead to:

• Atopic dermatitis (eczema). If you are prone to developing atopic dermatitis, very dry skin may trigger the condition, causing a rash and cracking skin.
• Infections. Dry skin may crack, allowing bacteria to enter the body and cause an infection.

These health concerns are most likely to happen when the skin becomes so dry that it cannot protect itself the way it typically does.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the medical term for dry skin?

The medical term for dry skin is xerosis or xeroderma.

Why is my skin so dry even when I moisturize?

You may be using the wrong type of moisturizer (lotion instead of cream or ointment), not applying it to damp skin, or not moisturizing often enough. You may also be using harsh soaps or taking long, hot showers that strip moisture from your skin.

What is the best moisturizer for dry skin?

Dermatologists recommend using a cream or ointment rather than a lotion. Look for products containing petroleum jelly, jojoba oil, shea butter, glycerin, mineral oil, or lanolin. Creams and ointments tend to be more effective than lotions.

Why is my skin drier in winter?

Cold weather and low humidity cause the air to hold less moisture, which can dry out your skin. Indoor heating also reduces humidity.

Does aging cause dry skin?

Yes. As people age, the skin thins and makes less of the oils needed for the skin to hold water. By 60 years of age, nearly everyone has dry skin.

Can dry skin be a sign of a medical condition?

Yes. Dry skin can be a symptom of other skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis (eczema) or psoriasis. It can also be linked to conditions like hypothyroidism, ichthyosis, or diabetes.

How can I prevent dry skin?

You can prevent dry skin by taking short, warm showers, using gentle, fragrance-free products, applying moisturizer immediately after bathing, and using a humidifier in dry environments.

Can dry skin cause infections?

Yes. When dry skin cracks, it can allow bacteria to enter the body and cause an infection.

Conclusion

Dry skin is a common condition that affects people of all ages. While it can be uncomfortable, it is often manageable with simple self-care steps. By taking short, warm showers, using gentle products, and moisturizing regularly, you can keep your skin healthy and hydrated.

If your dry skin persists despite self-care, becomes painful, or leads to open sores, see a healthcare professional. They can help identify the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment.

Important: This article is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. The information provided is general in nature and not a substitute for professional medical evaluation. If you have persistent, severe, or worsening skin concerns, see a licensed healthcare provider rather than relying on this information.

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