Severe dry skin

Dry skin develops when the outer layer cannot retain enough water and protective oils. Repeated hot showers, strong cleansers, dry air, and friction can worsen it. Asteatotic eczema may cause a cracked, craquelure-like pattern; atopic dermatitis often adds itch and inflammation; psoriasis may produce defined, thicker scaling. These conditions can overlap in appearance, so distribution and accompanying symptoms matter.

Keep showers short and lukewarm, use a mild fragrance-free cleanser only where needed, and pat the skin dry. Apply a thick cream or ointment immediately afterward and repeat whenever the skin feels tight. Emollient therapy helps seal moisture into the outer layer. Avoid scratching, rough towels, fragranced products, and exfoliation over cracked areas.

Book a medical review if dryness is widespread, repeatedly returns, disrupts sleep, or fails to improve with careful moisturising. Seek prompt attention for painful fissures, bleeding, spreading redness, warmth, swelling, pus, fever, or a sudden extensive change. A clinician can check for eczema, psoriasis, infection, medication effects, or another contributor.

Ask whether your skin fits Asteatotic Eczema, Atopic Dermatitis, or Psoriasis, which emollient texture suits you, and whether any cleanser or medicine should be changed. Bring a list of products and explain when the dryness started.