Severe dry skin: Causes, remedies and prevention

Dry, itchy, irritated, scaly skin is something many of us have been dealing with. Here are the symptoms and causes of severe dry skin, and steps you can take to prevent and help soothe and nourish your irritated, itchy skin.

Dry, itchy, irritated, scaly skin is something that many of us have faced at least once in our lives. The medical term for abnormally dry skin is xerosis cutis. Sometimes people with severe dry skin may need a doctor's help to combat the condition. However, sometimes, with the right home treatments and self-care, we can also find the right moisture replenishment for our skin.
Here are the symptoms and causes of severe dry skin and steps you can take to help soothe and nourish your irritated, itchy skin.
1.1. Symptoms of Severe Dry Skin Symptoms of severe dry skin are often the same as normal dry skin. What makes this condition more noticeable, however, is the severity of the dryness and irritation, as well as the frequency with which it occurs. If you're itching more than usual, have larger, scaly dry patches, or find you're relying too much on moisturizers, you may have severe dry skin.
Knowing how to identify severe dry skin is the first step so we can come up with solutions to fix it. Dr. Susan Massick, a dermatologist at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, says people with severe dry skin often experience the following symptoms:
Dry skin that causes pain, itchiness, or irritation scabs Rash that gets worse or starts to scab, scabs or flakes Gray patches of skin in people with darker skin tones Skin with small cracks Difficulty sleeping at night due to intense itching Area sup

1.2. Causes of Severe Dry Skin Several common factors can be the culprit behind severely dry skin. While not an exhaustive list of causes, Massick says these factors are definitely the top contributors to severe dry skin.
Environmental triggers. Weather is often the most mentioned cause of our skin becoming severely dry, especially in winter. Not only is the temperature dropping, the humidity that leads to drier air can worsen your dry skin, explains Massick. Plus, with the use of heaters as well as hot showers, our skin can lose more moisture than usual. Some skin diseases. Skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis can make you more susceptible to dry skin. “Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is the most common cause of dry and itchy skin in children and adults alike,” says Massick. Systemic diseases. In addition to skin conditions, systemic diseases, such as thyroid disease and diabetes, can also increase the risk of severe dry skin. Lack of moisture. Just as our bodies can become dehydrated, so can our skin. That's why Massick emphasizes the importance of moisturizing his skin regularly and also to drink plenty of water to keep skin hydrated from within. Age. Dry skin affects all ages. But later in life, you may notice it the most. “Your skin will become more sensitive and thinner over time,” says Massick. This can make your skin prone to drying out quickly. Nutritional deficiencies. A lack of certain vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin B6 and zinc, can make skin dry, itchy, or take longer to heal.

If severely dry skin is bothersome but doesn't interfere with daily life and your skin shows no signs of infection, you can try the following self-care methods. In the event that you have already seen a doctor and have been prescribed a prescription, continue to use it. These home remedies are not intended to replace a treatment plan prescribed by your doctor.
2.1. Use the right soap Bathing with strong soaps that contain irritants or strong fragrances can cause a variety of problems for our skin. To moisturize the skin's base layer, the American College of Dermatology recommends using gentle soaps. If you want to maximize results, consider using a skin cleanser instead of soap. Recommended recommendations include:
Cetaphil Cleanser CeraVe Moisturizing Cleanser Aquanil 2.2 Facial Cleanser. Take the time to moisturize Bathing with the right soap is only one part of a plan to prevent dry skin. In order to deal with severe dry skin, we also need to moisturize immediately after showering.
When choosing a moisturizer, Massick says look for ones that are free of fragrances, fragrances, and dyes. She also points out that ointments and creams are better than lotions because they contain more oil. To minimize dryness, Massick says the most effective natural moisturizer is mineral oil. “It has a very good moisturizing effect with a large amount of emollients,” she explains.

2.3. Lower the temperature This is the simplest change we can make at home. When you bathe or shower, use water that's just warm enough - not hot. Water that is too hot can inflame the skin and disrupt the skin's natural moisture balance. Also, try to limit shower or bath time to no more than 10 minutes.
If you want to keep the air conditioning in your home or office high, consider lowering the temperature. Hot air can take away moisture from your skin. One way to add moisture to the indoor air is to use a humidifier in your home or office. A humidifier can keep moisture circulating throughout your home, which can make it easier for your skin to retain its natural moisture.
2.4. Do not rub skin vigorously. Treat skin gently when washing and drying. Avoid rubbing your skin vigorously with a towel or sponge in the shower. When drying with a towel, try not to rub the skin. Instead, pat or pat your skin dry so it still has some moisture.
2.5. Try using a cold compress When symptoms flare up and itching and inflammation are bothersome, consider applying a cold compress to the affected area. To apply cold yourself:
Put a few ice cubes in a plastic bag or use a small bag used for storing frozen items Rinse the towel under cold running water, then wrap a damp cloth around the bag of ice cubes or frozen vegetables. Place the cold compress on your skin for 15 minutes at a time. Gently pat skin dry when you're done. 2.6. Use an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream If your dry skin is particularly itchy or irritated, you may consider applying an over-the-counter (OTC) hydrocortisone cream or ointment to the affected area after applying cold.
Hydrocortisone creams come in different strengths. For milder intensities, you don't need a prescription. You can find these creams at your local pharmacy or online. For stronger points, you will need a prescription from your doctor. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product when applying the cream. You can combine this treatment with a moisturizer. Apply hydrocortisone cream first and then apply more moisturizer on top.
2.7. Take care of what your skin touches. If possible, try to use detergents formulated for sensitive skin. These cleansers are usually gentler on your skin and less irritating. When choosing clothes, stay away from easily scratched fabrics like wool. Fabrics like cotton and silk allow your skin to breathe, which makes them a good choice for both clothing and bed linen.
2.8. Consider natural products With growing interest in natural products and organic options, Massick says more consumers are adopting natural skin care options as well. With that in mind, keep an eye on your kitchen and bathroom. If you have any of these products in their natural form, they may be an option for your severely dry skin.
Honey: With its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, honey can be used as a natural wound healer and moisturizer. Coconut Oil: With its antibacterial and moisturizing properties, coconut oil can help keep your skin hydrated and can also reduce inflammation. Aloe: Often used in gel form to soothe sunburned skin, aloe vera contains polysaccharides that can stimulate skin growth and help heal dry, irritated skin. Oatmeal: Soaking in a tub containing colloidal oatmeal can help soothe dry, irritated skin.

Severe dry skin is a common condition that often responds to treatment. It tends to appear more in winter when the air is cold and dry and indoor heating is limited. Staying hydrated, applying plenty of moisturizer to your skin, avoiding extremely hot air, and taking a hot shower can all help prevent your skin from becoming too dry. If your skin is severely dry, home treatments can often help. But if your skin doesn't improve or your symptoms get worse, be sure to see your doctor or dermatologist.
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Reference sources: curel.com, healthline.com,