Dry skin is a common problem that many people suffer from, and this dryness may lead to itching, which can cause a lot of discomfort.

We will also explain the symptoms of dry skin, its causes, complications, and ways to prevent it.

What does dry skin look like?

Dry skin changes the texture of the skin, changing its texture from smooth to rough.

Dry skin is usually harmless and only causes temporary discomfort until you can rehydrate your skin and treat it from dryness.

Very dry skin is fragile and peels or cracks easily, which can develop into a painful ulcer.

Does dry skin cause severe itching?

Dry skin may lead to severe itching;

However, there are many methods that can be used in order to treat dry and itchy skin.

  Read also:حساسية الجلد من الأكل

What are the symptoms of dry skin?

When skin loses moisture and dries out, it may cause many symptoms, including the following:

• الحكة.
• Skin peeling.
• Skin roughness.
• احمرار الجلد.
• Deep incisions that may bleed.
• Feeling of tightness in the skin, especially after showering or swimming.
• The skin becomes more sensitive to external factors, such as the sun and air.
• The skin becomes gray in people with dark skin.
• If there is severe dryness of the skin, a rash may appear on the skin.

Anyone can experience dry skin anywhere on their body, but the most common locations include:

• hands.
• القدم.
• الوجه.
• Elbows.
• Around the mouth.
• الأعضاء التناسلية.
• الساقين.

If dry skin is severe, it is best to consult a dermatologist;

What causes dry and flaky skin?

There are many causes of dry skin and itching, some of which are external environmental factors, and some are due to incorrect and healthy habits, such as the following:

العوامل البيئية

Exposure to some environmental factors can lead to dry skin, such as exposure to cold or dry weather, use of heaters in winter, and exposure to wind.

Incorrect skin cleaning

One of the causes of dry skin and itching may be due to improper skin cleaning, including:

• Wash your face and body with harsh detergents.
• Excessive cleaning of the skin.
• Bathing with hot water for long periods.

Therefore, when treating dry and itchy skin, you should avoid these wrong habits.

السن

Normally, the skin begins to produce less sebum around the age of 40.

التدخين

Smoking may also lower estrogen levels in women.

Health problems

Among the causes of dry skin and itching are the following:

• Suffering from some diseases.
• Deficiency of some vitamins, such as vitamin A and E.
• Taking certain medications, such as statins (drugs to treat high cholesterol), diuretics, cancer treatments, and dialysis.

Learn about: Treatment of eczema for children and ways to prevent it

What disease causes dry skin?

There are many diseases that cause dry and itchy skin, including the following:

• أمراض الكلى.
• داء السكري.
• قصور الغدة الدرقية.
• Some skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis (eczema) and psoriasis.
• فيروس نقص المناعة البشرية (HIV).

What is the treatment for dry and itchy skin?

Treatment for dry skin depends on rehydrating the skin, and treatment methods can include the following:

Refreshments

It softens dry skin;

Medicines to treat dry skin

The doctor may prescribe some medications when treating severe dry skin that does not respond to moisturizers, such as steroid ointment to treat dry skin, which works to reduce inflammation in the skin that causes rashes and itching. 

In severe cases, it may be better to prescribe medications taken orally or by injection.

Treat dry skin naturally

Some natural methods may help relieve dry skin, as they act as a natural moisturizer for the skin. These methods include the following:

• Sunflower seed oil

One study found that sunflower seed oil improves skin hydration when used as a moisturizer.

• زيت جوز الهند

 It is safe and effective on the skin, like Vaseline.

• Oatmeal bath

 Bathing with oatmeal powder or using creams containing oatmeal may help relieve dry skin.

• milk

Drinking milk can also provide relief from dry skin, but not when applied to the skin.

• العسل

Some studies have shown that honey is beneficial for many types of skin diseases.

• الصبار

Dry and itchy skin can be treated with herbs, including aloe vera.

Book your consultation now at مركز الجلدية والتجميل At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital and get a treatment plan suitable for you

How do you choose the best moisturizer to treat dry skin?

There are many types of moisturizers on the market, but the best moisturizer must be carefully chosen. Here are the specifications of excellent moisturizers:

• Does not contain perfume.
• Free of ingredients that dry out the skin, such as alcohol or sulfates.
• They contain moisture-locking ingredients, such as petrolatum, hyaluronic acid, lanolin, or mineral oil.
• Preferably, it should also contain ingredients that attract moisture to the skin, such as glycerin.
• Provides sun protection with a sun protection factor (SPF).
• Designed for the affected skin area.

Overall, remember when choosing the best moisturizer that your skin is unique and a product that works for someone else may not be the best for you and your skin.

When is dehydration dangerous?

Dry skin is not a serious condition, however, in some cases it may be serious and require consulting a doctor, as in the following cases:

• Dry skin does not respond to moisturizers and natural methods.
• In case of skin inflammation.
• Suffering from open sores or infections from scratching.
• The presence of severe itching that may affect sleep and daily routine.
• Dry, thick skin is a side effect of cancer treatment.
• Appearance of signs of infection such as redness and inflammation of the skin.

What are the ways to prevent dry skin?

Better than looking for ways to treat dry skin and itching, is to look for prevention methods, including the following:

• Quit smoking.
• Do not shower with very hot water.
• Use cleansers that are gentle on the skin and free of perfumes.
• Avoid rubbing the skin too hard when drying the skin with a towel.
• Stay away from products that contain alcohol.
• Choose detergents that are labeled hypoallergenic. 
• Stay outside in windy conditions without covering your skin.
• Use a dull razor when shaving, and avoid shaving without shaving gel.
• Apply skin moisturizer immediately after washing your hands or within five minutes of showering. It should also be applied to the body and face as needed throughout the day.
• Use moisturizing creams that contain moisturizing ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, glycerin, lactic acid, or shea butter.
• Avoid wearing wool or itchy clothing, which can irritate dry, itchy skin, and choose clothing made of cotton or silk.
• Wear gloves while outside in the winter or while cleaning;

In conclusion, maintaining healthy and hydrated skin is essential, so if you suffer from dry skin, you should try moisturizers and natural remedies for dry and itchy skin.

Get rid of dry and itchy skin, and get silky smooth skin, just book with the best dermatologist.

Frequently asked questions 

What is the treatment for severe dry skin?

Use natural oils to moisturize, while making sure to drink large amounts of water, in addition to using highly moisturizing materials on a regular basis, especially those that contain salicylic acid and lactic acid. 

What vitamin treats dry skin?

Vitamin C helps protect skin hydration and prevent dryness, but Vitamin E plays a major role in treating severe skin dryness. 

What are the best natural herbs to treat dry and sensitive skin?

Chamomile is used to treat sensitive and dry skin, and mint can also be used, as it contains omega-3 fatty acids that contribute to moisturizing the skin, as well as neem, in addition to calendula. 

Sources and references

Home Remedies for Dry Skin – healthline

Dry Skin – webmd