You might be asked about your medical history and undergo thorough physical exam by your doctor for your dry skin diagnosis and treatment. The doctor can ask you about some diagnostic tests in case your dry skin is due to underlying medical conditions like hypothyroidism. The doctor might be able to know about your dry skin with these tests. Here are dry skin related conditions.
Keratosis Pilaris
It can be due to small bumps on the upper arms, legs and buttocks. There will be no itching with it but there are rough patches produced by these bumps and there will be flesh or sandpaper look of skin.
Itchyosis Vulgaris
It is also called fish skin disease and it can be due to skin cell failure with dry scales. These scales are found in different color and polygonal shape. It can also cause scalp flaking and painful fissures on palms and soles.
Asteatotic Eczema
There can be scaly, dry, and deeply fissures skin due to asteatotic eczema. The skin can become itchy, inflamed and it may bleed.
Psoriasis
It is very frustrating and disfiguring skin conditionwith silvery and dry scales like dandruff. The skin may crack and bleed forming pus filled blisters in severe conditions. It is a chronic disease which remains active for many years.
Normally the skin problems can be due to lifestyle measures and these problems can be avoided by using moisturizers and avoiding hot shower. You can use over the counter creams containing lactic acid and urea on the advice of your doctor if you skin is dry and scaly. The doctor can prescribe you creams and ointments and other treatments if you have sever skin disease like psoriasis or ichthyosis. The skin can become red and itchy in some when it is dry. You can use hydrocortisone containing lotions in this condition. The doctor can prescribe wet dressings in your skin cracks. This dressing has mildly properties which can reduce secretions.
Home remedies
You can take following measures to solve different problems regarding skin.
Moisturize your skin
The seal is provided by moisturizers over your skin. It can be good for your skin to have thicker moisturizers. You can use over the counter brands like Cetaphil and Eucerin. The cosmetics containing moisturizers can also be used. You can apply oil like baby oil if you skin is dry. Oil can prevent evaporation from skin surface.
Use warm water and limit bath time
The oil can be removed from the skin with long showers and hot water. You should also limit your bath time to 15 minutes with warm rather hot water.
Avoid drying and harsh soap
You can use cleansing creams and shower gels with moisturizers if you have an extremely dry skin. You should use mild soap with fats and oils and you should avoid antibacterial detergents and deodorant which are very harsh.
It is always good for you to apply moisturizers once you take bath and blot your skin with dry towel. You can use an oil or cream to keep the water in cell surface. You can also use humidifier to protect your skin from itching and flaking. You can also apply cool compresses to the area.
