A supple, glowing and perfect skin is something we all desire, especially today’s youth. But due to various reasons, perfect skin remains just a dream for many. Skin is broadly of 3 types – normal, dry and oily. The combinations of the 3 also exist. With increased exposure to varied harmful factors, our skin tends to respond vigorously and take up the extremes of dry or oily skin type.
What Is Dry Skin?
Dry skin, in the extreme conditions is known as Xerodermatitis and Xerosis, which is a common skin condition. It mainly occurs due to lack of sufficient moisture or oils in the epidermis, the uppermost layer of the skin. This results in dry patches and small fine flakes on the skin.
Causes:
Dry Skin is caused by both external and internal factors. External factors like- low humidity, cold temperatures, hot showers, over usage of harsh soaps and sanitizers can make the skin dry. While internal factors, such as age, genetics, and personal and family history of skin ailments like allergies, asthma, dermatitis also causes skin dryness. People suffering from thyroid disorders are also prone to dry skin.
Underlying Conditions:
The skin consists of 3 layers – Epidermis (outermost), dermis (middle) and hypodermis (innermost). Epidermis, the protective layer is composed of protein and lipid (fat). Lipid helps to keep the skin hydrated. When the skin loses the fatty oils it easily loses moisture and protection. This renders the skin dry, making the skin more sensitive to rashes and other problems (Xerosis).
Dry Skin Allergy Symptoms:
Here are some symptoms of dry skin:
1. Rough Flaky Skin And Gray, Ashy Skin In People With Dark Complexion:
Dry skin, as said before, lacks natural fatty oils and moisture. This makes the skin rough, flaky, scaly and at times, hardened. Dandruff is one of the common ailments, which results from dry skin on the scalp. Dry skin flakes usually turns pale, peel off and shed on their own.
2. Itching:
Itching can aggravate the severity of dry skin. It can lead to an “itch-scratch” cycle. This cycle is more when the person is not much conscious, like when he/she is engrossed in some important work, or during sleep etc.
3. Red Patches:
The rough, raised patches of flaky skin can itch, which cause a severe burning sensation. This burning sensation makes the skin red and cause red patches.
4. Cracks In The Skin, Which May Bleed:
Many times, dry skin tends to crack, especially during winters. These cracks become a budding ground for microbes. These microbes cause infection in the cracks, causing it to itch, burn and bleed. This can lead to serious skin infections, which can spread to other parts of the skin as well.
5. Chapped Or Cracked Lips, Palms, And Heels:
Chapped lips are the first symptom of the lack of water and moisture in the body. It can also be a sign of some kind of dysfunction in the body. Same is with cracked palms and heels. Though these are very common symptoms and occur mainly during winters, see a doctor in severe cases.
Dry Skin Allergy Treatments:
There are different treatments for dry skin depending on the condition and severity of the problem. Treatments can be both external and internal. Few treatments are:
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