My skin is so dry and flaky: what should I know?

Flakes form when the outer skin barrier loses water and sheds unevenly. Dry air, hot showers, fragranced products, frequent washing and harsh scrubbing can contribute. Asteatotic eczema may cause fine cracks and a dry, criss-cross pattern, while atopic dermatitis can add itch and inflamed patches. Psoriasis often produces more defined plaques with thicker scale. These patterns overlap, so the appearance alone cannot identify the cause.

Use lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser only where needed. Pat rather than rub, then apply a rich moisturiser while the skin is still slightly damp; ointments and thick creams generally hold moisture better than light lotions. Reapply after washing and pause exfoliating acids, scrubs and fragranced products until the barrier settles. Avoid picking flakes, which can create small breaks in the skin.

Arrange a medical review if the dryness persists despite consistent moisturising, repeatedly cracks, bleeds, becomes painful, or interferes with sleep. Seek prompt care for spreading redness, warmth, swelling, pus, fever, or rapidly worsening skin. A clinician can distinguish simple dry skin from eczema, psoriasis or another condition and select treatment for the cause.

Could this be eczema, psoriasis or irritation from a product? Which moisturiser texture suits the affected areas? Should I stop any current exfoliant or cleanser? What changes would mean I need a follow-up sooner?