Dry Skin: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

Dry skin may feel tight after washing and look dull, rough, flaky or scaly. Fine cracks can form when the surface loses too much water and protective oil. Itching, stinging and sensitivity to products may occur, especially on the hands, lower legs, elbows and heels. Scratching can break the surface and make irritation worse.

Dry skin is often linked to a weakened skin barrier, environmental exposure or an underlying skin condition, so treatment depends on the pattern and cause.

Dryness alone is usually suitable for routine care. Arrange medical assessment if cracking bleeds, pain is increasing, itching disrupts sleep, or the skin becomes very red, warm, swollen or produces fluid. Seek prompt help for rapidly spreading redness, fever or facial swelling, because these findings can signal infection or a significant reaction rather than simple dryness.

The possible causes below are listed alphabetically, not by likelihood. Asteatotic Eczema can create itchy, cracked areas with a dry, lined appearance. Atopic Dermatitis may bring dryness alongside itch and inflamed patches. Cracked Heels cause thick, dry skin and fissures around the heel edges. Ichthyosis can produce persistent, widespread scaling. Psoriasis may cause well-defined, scaly plaques, sometimes with soreness or itch.

A clinician usually examines the affected areas and asks when the change began, which products touch the skin, whether itching or pain is present, and whether other household members have symptoms. The distribution, scale, cracks and inflammation help distinguish irritation from a condition such as psoriasis or dermatitis. Testing is not always needed, but a clinician may consider it when the appearance is unusual, widespread or not improving with basic care.

Regular moisturising helps replace water and support the outer barrier. An emollient can be applied soon after bathing and reapplied when the skin feels tight. A clinician may add a targeted treatment for inflammation, thick scale, fissures or another diagnosed condition. Avoid picking flakes and use lukewarm water, a gentle cleanser and patting rather than rubbing. A product that burns or causes a new rash should be stopped and discussed with a professional.

Keep showers brief and lukewarm, choose fragrance-free products when possible, and moisturise while the skin is still slightly damp. Wear gloves for wet household tasks and protect hands from harsh detergents. In dry or air-conditioned rooms, avoid letting warm air blow directly over the skin. Continue barrier care even after symptoms settle, particularly in areas that repeatedly crack.

Dry skin may occur with itching, flaking, redness, burning, small cracks or tenderness. Note whether symptoms stay in one area or appear symmetrically, and whether a new soap, medication or household product preceded them. These details help a clinician interpret the skin pattern.

Arrange a review when careful moisturising and gentler washing do not settle the problem, or when the same areas repeatedly flare. Assessment can identify a treatable condition and reduce the cycle of itching, scratching and barrier damage. For ongoing barrier support, see Emollient Therapy.