What causes dry skin?

The outer skin barrier normally slows water loss. Hot water, long showers, strong cleansers, repeated handwashing, low humidity, and friction can remove protective oils and leave skin tight, rough, flaky, or itchy. Ageing and some medicines can also make dryness more noticeable.

Persistent or marked dryness may occur with asteatotic eczema, atopic dermatitis, ichthyosis, psoriasis, or cracked heels. The distribution and appearance help: eczema often itches and inflames, psoriasis may form well-defined thick scale, and cracks can split or bleed.

Keep bathing brief with lukewarm water, use a gentle fragrance-free cleanser only where needed, and pat rather than rub the skin dry. Apply a thick moisturiser while the skin is still slightly damp, repeating it after handwashing or whenever tightness returns. Cotton layers and a humidifier may reduce friction and dry-air exposure.

For ongoing symptoms, a clinician can check whether an inflammatory condition is present and may recommend Emollient Therapy or another targeted plan. Avoid starting steroid or exfoliating products on cracked skin without advice.

Book a medical review if dryness lasts despite consistent moisturising, interrupts sleep, covers much of the body, or comes with redness, thick scale, recurrent flares, or painful cracks. Seek prompt care for spreading warmth, pus, fever, or cracks that cannot be kept clean and protected.

Is this uncomplicated dryness or a condition such as asteatotic eczema, atopic dermatitis, ichthyosis, psoriasis, or cracked heels? Which cleanser and moisturiser fit my skin? Could a medicine or workplace exposure be contributing?