How is dry skin treated?

Dryness occurs when the outer barrier loses water faster than it can retain it. Hot showers, frequent washing, dry air, fragranced products, and some medicines can aggravate this loss. Roughness and fine scaling are common, but redness, intense itch, fissures, or thick plaques may point to asteatotic eczema, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, or another condition.

The location gives useful clues: heels may split under pressure, while hands can worsen with repeated water and cleaning products. Treating the barrier early helps reduce rubbing and the small cracks through which irritation can enter.

Apply a thick, fragrance-free emollient several times a day, especially immediately after bathing while the skin is still slightly damp. Choose a cream or ointment for very dry areas, and use lukewarm rather than hot water with a mild cleanser only where needed. Wear gloves for wet work and protect cracked heels from friction. A clinician may prescribe an anti-inflammatory treatment when eczema or psoriasis is present; do not apply steroid products to large areas without instructions.

Arrange an assessment if moisturising does not settle the problem, sleep is disturbed by itch, cracks bleed, or the skin becomes painful, swollen, crusted, or warm. Prompt care is needed when dryness is widespread and accompanied by weight change, marked thirst, fever, or other new symptoms.

Ask which emollient texture suits the affected area, whether a cleanser or medicine is contributing, and whether the pattern suggests eczema, psoriasis, or another diagnosis. Ask how to treat flares and protect fissures.