When our skin loses moisture, its surface starts to crack. Sometimes the dry skin is just itchy, without a rash. Dry skin usually affects the lower legs, back of the hands, and forearms. Other times, the dry areas may develop dermatitis, which results in itchy skin that's red and raw.
There are factors that contribute to dry, cracked skin include:
- Chapping and skin irritation due to friction.
- Certain soaps, detergents, and solvents.
- Hypothyroidism, or excessive weight loss.
- Advancing age, which causes a noticeable decrease in the natural lubrication of the skin.
- Too frequent bathing or showering, especially in chlorinated water.
- Cool and dry weather, especially when the winds are strong or humidity is low.
- Air-conditioning.
- and Genetics.
- Apply moisturizer liberally and often, particularly after bathing and when skin feels itchy. The drier the skin, the thicker the application shoud be, especially on the hands.
- A bath a day is enough, especially since we don't sweat as much in rainy weather as we do in hot summer months. For extra measure, use lukewarm, not hot water, and keep baths brief.
- Use non-drying soap substitutes or gentle moisturizing soaps that cleanse your skin without removing its natural oil.
- Apply a barrier hand cream (ask your doctor or pharmacist) or petroleum jelly if your hands or legs are frequently in water especially in floodwater.
- Pat, don't rub, your skin dry after you bath or shower.
- Use hypoallergenic cosmeticss
Dry, flaky skin is usually cause by low production of oil by the sebaceous glands. In such cases, there isn't enough oil on on skin to create a protective barrier. Eventually, the skin dries out because there's not enough oil to keep moisture from evaporating. Sometimes skin can get so dry that it itches and feels tight. Water itself cannot penetrate the skin, and pouring water on your face can, in fact, take even more moisture away from the face.
DIY treatment - Use a facial moisturizer that absorbs quickly, preferably one without any fragrance. People with dry skin should avoid any type of skin care products with cologne perfume, and alcohol because these cause dryness. Moisturizing lotions with natural oils also prevent moisture loss and add softness.
