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Dry Skin – Causes, Signs and Remedies

Dry skin, also known as xeroderma or xerosis is when you suffer from rough, dry skin that may have scales or small cracks. People suffering from this condition [1] usually have dry, rough patches of skin with cracks, flaking, and peeling. Also, the skin is often red and itchy.

Constant scratching and rubbing can worsen the dermis, causing it to become thick and leathery. Xerosis or Xeoderma can affect any part of the body but commonly occurs on the legs, arms, and scalp. Dry skin may or may not be due to underlying diseases.

Here are some of the causes [2] of xerosis or xeroderma:

Environmental Factors, Performing Jobs or Frequent Hand Washing

Some persons may experience worse symptoms of xerosis during hot or cold weather. Peeling or scaling is a common symptom of cold-induced xerosis. The skin tends to be driest in winter when temperatures and humidity levels take a sudden plunge. Seasonal changes may not affect you much if you live in desert regions.

For some people, hanging around open heat sources like firepits or stoves causes their skin to dry out.

Performing jobs that take an obvious toll on your body, like car mechanics or, farming causes you to be dehydrated most of the time. Excess sweating means body fluids are reducing, and high-intensity activities cause you to sweat.

Running your hands under water can worsen dry skin because it rids the dermis of all the moisture that was on it. This is not to say that you shouldn’t maintain a hygienic lifestyle, but using a hand lotion every time you wash your hands can prevent drying or flakiness.