Dry skin can be uncomfortable and it can turn plump cells creating wrinkles and fine lines. The serious dry skin conditions include disfiguring and physiological distress and it is also an disorder known as ichthyosis. The good thing is that the skin problems due to environmental factors can be controlled completely or partially. It can be due to hot and cold weather exposure with excessive bathing and low humidity levels. You will need to go to dermatologist in case of chronic or severe skin problems. You can also be able to improve your skin by doing your own. You can use moisturizers, take less bath and avoid harsh and dry soap.
Dry skin is normally a te4mproray problem which might be experienced in winter but it is lifelong concern at the same time. The pattern of dry skin can be changed considerably from one person to another although skin is driest on lower legs, arms, and sides of abdomen. The symptoms and signs of the dry skin normally depend on your age, health status, your locale, and time you spend outdoor and also on the cause of problem. You can have these feelings in case of your dry skin.
- The skin becomes tight especially after bathing or swimming.
- The skins appears to be dehydrated and shrunken
- The skin seems to be rough rather than smooth
- There can be itching which can be intense sometimes
- Severe flaking, peeling or scaling
- Cracks or fine lines
- Redness and deep fissures
When to see a doctor
You can be able to solve the dry skin problems with your home remedies and lifestyle measures. You can see a doctor if
- If there is no improvement in your skin with so much efforts
- If there is redness along with dry skin
- If there is itching and dryness with sleeping
- If there are open sores or infections
- If there are large areas of peeling or scaling
The dry skin can be due to environmental exposure but there can be skin problems due to certain diseases. The potential causes of dry skin are
Weather
The skin is driest in winter which can make the existing skin conditions worse. But if you live in desert areas then reverse can be true where humidity level is low can temperature can soar.
Central heating and air conditioning
There can be decrease in humidity with wood burning, heating, fireplaces and heaters which can cause skin dry.
Hot baths and showers
Frequent bathing or showering can also cause your skin dry because the lipid barriers in your skin can be broken down. You should do swimming in chlorinated pools.
Harsh soaps and detergents
The lipids and water is stripped from the skin by many popular detergents and soaps. There can be damage to your skin with antibacterial soap and deodorant.
Sun exposure
The major casue of dry skin is the sun exposure and its ultraviolet radiation can penetrate your upper skin and it can cause damage to dermis by breaking down collagen and elastin fibers.
Psoriasis
It can be due to built up of dry, rough and dead skin cells forming thick scales.
