What should you know about dry skin and scalp treatment?

Dryness can make the skin feel tight, rough, itchy or cracked. On the scalp, flakes may be loose and pale, while redness, thicker scale or soreness can point to an inflammatory condition. Asteatotic Eczema, Atopic Dermatitis and Psoriasis can affect the skin barrier and may need more than moisturiser. Dryness can also follow hot water, strong cleansers, frequent washing or a dry environment.

The appearance alone cannot identify the cause. A clinician may examine the scalp, hairline, ears and other affected areas, then tailor treatment to whether the main problem is barrier dryness, inflammation or scale.

Use lukewarm water and a fragrance-free cleanser on the skin. Apply a bland cream or ointment soon after washing, and repeat when the skin feels dry. An Emollient Therapy plan can help seal moisture into the skin barrier. For the scalp, wash gently, avoid scratching and pause newly introduced hair dyes, fragranced products or styling products if they sting or worsen flakes.

Do not pick scale or put thick products into the ear canal. If symptoms persist, a dermatologist can distinguish dry skin from dermatitis, psoriasis or another scalp condition and recommend a suitable medicated product.

Arrange a dermatology review if cracking, bleeding, pain, marked redness, oozing, hair loss or widespread scale develops, or if careful home care does not settle the problem. Seek prompt care for rapidly spreading redness, facial swelling, fever or feeling acutely unwell.

Ask whether the pattern fits dry skin, eczema, psoriasis or another scalp problem; which cleanser and moisturiser suit your skin; whether a medicated scalp treatment is needed; and how long to try it before returning for review.