Dry scalp and dry skin

Skin loses moisture more easily after hot showers, dry air, strong soaps, frequent shampooing, or friction. The scalp may feel tight and shed fine flakes, while dry skin elsewhere can look rough or cracked. Atopic dermatitis may add itch and recurring irritated patches; psoriasis can create thicker, sharply defined scale. Asteatotic eczema is another possibility when very dry skin develops a cracked, lined appearance, often on the limbs.

Keep bathing brief, choose lukewarm water, and use a fragrance-free cleanser only where needed. Pat dry and apply a bland moisturiser while the skin is still slightly damp. For scalp dryness, use a gentle shampoo and avoid vigorous scratching, hot air, and heavily fragranced products. [Emollient Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/emollient-therapy/) can explain moisturising approaches. If a product stings repeatedly or causes redness, stop it and seek advice.

Book an assessment when dryness is widespread, painful, cracked, bleeding, infected-looking, or repeatedly returns despite gentle care. Prompt evaluation is useful for thick plaques, severe itch that disrupts sleep, or a rash involving the eyes or mouth. Seek urgent help for rapidly spreading swelling or breathing difficulty.

Ask whether your pattern fits [Dry Skin](/symptoms/dry-skin/), [Atopic Dermatitis](/conditions/atopic-dermatitis/), [Psoriasis](/conditions/psoriasis/), or [Asteatotic Eczema](/conditions/asteatotic-eczema/), and which moisturiser texture is appropriate.