Dry Skin Treatment

What are some of the causes of dry skin?

The medical term for dry skin is Xerosis and can be both hereditary and experienced from birth, or may develop later in life. Some people suffer from dry skin all their lives caused by a condition called ichthyosis, commonly called fish- scale skin often seen on the lower legs. The skin forms large dry scaly patches, hence the name. Long standing skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis can cause itchy, dry skin and can be a problem from childhood on.

Getting older itself can cause skin to dry out as our hormones levels change and the condition of our skin changes with it. Prescribed and non prescribed medications can cause the skin to be dry and therefore irritation and itching of the skin can happen or make existing dry skin conditions worse. Other causes of dry skin relate to environmental and lifestyle choices we make that we do have some control such as the ones  listed below.

Where does dry skin most commonly occur?

Dry skin can affect all areas of the body and is most common in the exposed parts of the body. Dry skin is most common on the face, legs, elbows, hands, forearms and between the shoulder blades on the back.

Dry Skin Treatment – What makes dry skin worse?

• Dry air from central heating or air conditioning
• Swimming in chlorinated water
• Dehydration
• Smoking
• Long, hot showers or baths
• Over exposure to the sun
• A moisturiser that is not effective for dry skin
• Using cleanser with harsh drying detergents
• Hot and cold winds
• Skin products with alcohol
• Excess alcohol

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