Dry skin
Dry skin is extremely common for many people. The skin it the body’s natural ability to defend against infection. When the skin dries out it becomes cracked and provides the possibility of bacteria entering the skin causing infections and other illnesses.
There are many good reasons to take care of the dry skin. It is itchy and detracts from the physical appearance. The itchiness is annoying as well as very unhealthy. Scratching the itch can damage the skin further and allow for possible infection.
Different factors contribute to dry skin. From harsh soaps and detergents, long hot baths and showers, exposure to chlorine, and sun exposure, the skin is constantly exposed to many elements that can cause the dry skin. Taking into consideration any medical issues that may also contribute to the dry skin such as diabetes, psoriasis, hypothyroidism, and malnutrition. It is important to know the different issues that may be causing the dry skin.
Taking the first steps to know about skin care will help with learning about the ways to deal with the dry skin. Normal healthy skin is covered in a thin layer of natural lipids or fatty substances. This layer provides the moisture for the skin creating the soft and supple appearance.
The cause of dry skin medically involves different aspects of the person with the dry skin. The contributing factors include environmental issues, healthy issues, and life style issues. The standard reasons for dry skin are more of the external reasons than it is the internal issues of the body.
The dry patches of skin appear commonly on the arms, hands, lower legs, and abdomen. The dry skin is felt more than it is visible. Yet there are people who do experience the visible dryness of skin. It embarrassing for those who suffer from the visibly dry skin. For the African-Americans the dry skin creates a grayish or “ashy” tint to their sky.
Usually, dry skin is not serious. It is uncomfortable and unpleasant in appearance since the dry skin causes the skin to have wrinkles and fine lines instead of the smooth appearance. The serious condition of dry skin is now as ichthyosis. It can be disfiguring that a result in psychological issues for suffers. Fortunately, most dry skin is contributed to the external factors such as the weather, hot water, and harsh chemicals. This makes the controlling of the dry skin manageable.
People with severe dry skin should consult a dermatologist for evaluation if they cannot manage the dry skin with moisturizers, limiting the exposure to harsh chemicals and reducing the heat of the water the skin is exposed to.
The dry skin when not treated can lead to dermatitis. Dermatitis is the inflammation of the skin resulting in swelling and infection. Since most dry skin is contributed to the external factors, the act of managing the dry skin is easier and possible.
To use careful skin care procedures, the dry skin is controllable. One of the main steps to take when having dry skin is to apply moisturizing lotions to the skin. For the best results when applying moisturizers to the skin, apply the lotion when the skin is not dry but instead apply it after a warm bath. The skin will retain the moisturizing lotion better when the skin is damp.