Dry Skin

What is Dry Skin?

Dry Skin is described as having insufficient moisture to be supple. Dry Skin is referred to medically as xeroderma (pronounced "ze-ROW-derm-ah"). A severe case of dry skin is called xerosis (pronounced "ze-ROW-sis"). If your skin is dry, it may feel scratchy in some places and seem flaky or scaly. Dry skin may or may not be accompanied by itchy skin (pruritis). Skin that is too dry may crack and bleed.

Who does dry skin affect?

Dry skin is common and affects nearly everyone at some point in their life. You might be more at risk of getting dry skin if you:

  • Live in a dry or cold climate.
  • Work outside often.
  • Wash your hands frequently.
  • Have another health condition like allergies.
  • Are 65 years or older.

How does dry skin affect my body?

When your skin is dry, it gets more flaky and less supple. It may cause your skin to become itchy or to vary in tone from what it normally is. Dry skin might appear in smaller, so-called dry skin patches, or it can impact a larger area of your skin. The majority of the time, having dry skin is harmless and doesn't cause any discomfort while you wait to moisturize your skin.

Excessively dry skin is fragile and easily flakes or cracks, which can lead to a painful sore. If your skin becomes aggravated from dry skin, minister it as you would a wound or injury to control infection.