Dry Skin
What is Dry Skin?
Dry chapped and rough skin occurs when the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin) lacks moisture and natural oils. This can cause the skin to become rough, itchy, or flaky.
Dry skin can be a result of many factors, including age, genetics, and environmental factors like harsh weather conditions or indoor heating systems.
However, there are ways to address dry skin and keep it hydrated and healthy.
One of the most important things you can do to combat dry skin is to drink plenty of water. When you’re dehydrated, your skin can become dry and dull. Drinking enough water helps to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
In addition to drinking water, it’s also important to moisturize your skin regularly.
When the skin is hydrated, it appears plump and radiant. Drinking plenty of water and using hydrating skincare products can help lock in moisture and prevent it from evaporating..
But hydration isn’t just important for the appearance of your skin. It also plays a crucial role in protecting your skin from external damage. When your skin is properly hydrated, it is better able to defend itself against environmental stressors, such as pollution and UV rays.
Causes
Dry skin is due to water loss from the outer layer of skin. It might be caused by:
• Central heating/Heat pumps
• Air-conditioning
• Stress
• Too much bathing or scrubbing. Taking long, hot showers or baths or scrubbing your skin too much can dry your skin. Bathing more than once a day can remove the natural oils from your skin too.
• Harsh soaps and detergents.
• Other skin conditions. People with skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis (eczema) or psoriasis are more likely to have dry skin.
• Medical treatments. Some people develop dry, thick skin after undergoing treatment for cancer, receiving dialysis or taking certain medications.
• Aging. As people age, the skin thins and produces less of the oils needed for the skin to retain water.
Treatment & Prevention
Apply moisturizer immediately after washing
Drink plenty of water to keep the skin hydrated
Don’t use soap or aggressive chemicals on the skin
Don’t shower more than you need to and don’t have the temperature too hot
Treating Dry Skin with Topiderm
(Aqueous Cream)
Creams and lotions (moisturizers) work by trapping existing moisture in your skin. To trap this much-needed moisture, you need to apply Topiderm Aqueous cream within a few minutes of drying off after a shower or bath, and after washing your face or hands.
It can also be applied throughout the day as a moisturizer and as a soap substitute. Put half to 1 teaspoonful in the palm of your hand and mix with a small amount of warm water.
Apply to wet skin and rinse, gently washing the area and leaving a moisturizing film on the skin.
Complications
Dry skin is usually harmless. But when it's not cared for, dry skin may lead to:
· Atopic dermatitis (eczema). If you're prone to develop this condition, excessive dryness can lead to activation of the disease, causing a rash and cracking skin.
· Infections. Dry skin may crack, allowing bacteria to enter, causing infections.
These complications are most likely to occur when your skin's protective mechanisms are severely compromised. For example, severely dry skin can cause deep cracks or fissures, which can open and bleed, providing an avenue for invading bacteria.
When should I seek help for dry skin?
Most cases of dry skin respond well to lifestyle changes and home remedies. You may need help from your primary care doctor or a doctor who specializes in skin conditions (dermatologist) if:
· You've tried self-care steps but your signs and symptoms persist
· Your skin becomes inflamed or painful
· You develop dry, thick skin as a side effect of cancer treatment
· Your condition makes you so uncomfortable that you're losing sleep or are distracted from your daily routines
· You have open sores or infections from scratching
· You have large areas of scaly or peeling skin
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-skin/symptoms-causes/syc-20353885
