Vitality News Health Articles

Dry skin is a very common condition that is quickly associated to winter months, however, there are times when dry skin is a sign of a more serious condition. It is most commonly noted in your lower legs, arms, or flanks and is identified as dryness, cracking or scaling of the skin. There are several causes of dry skin including weather, diet, disease and side effect caused by certain drugs. Dry skin is caused by excessive or rapid loss of moisture from the skin. In part, dry skin is caused by trans-epidermal water loss, which worsens in older adults.

What causes Dry skin?

Dry skin is caused by many factors. Below we mention a few:

Anti-bacterial soaps - Over cleansing with antibacterial soaps can dry out the skin.

Eczema - A form of dermatitis or inflammation of the upper layers of the skin that result in dry, red, and itchy skin.

Vitamin A - too much Vitamin A can result in nausea, dry skin, headaches, and other symptoms.

Dermatitis - During winter months you may experience atopic dermatitis which causes itchy, red, dry skin. This condition usually appears on the elbows, back of the knees, wrists, neck, and face.

Treatment for Dry Skin Conditions

An oily cream or a dry skin moisturizer is used as an emollient in treating dry skin conditions; however, this may cause pores to clog and result in a whole new skin condition. Natural ingredients are much gentler on the skin and work with it instead of against it.

Using an air humidifier is also very useful if you suffer from dry skin, especially during winter. A small humidifier on the side of your bed will help your skin to retain moisture, but make sure your bedroom door is closed to keep moisture in.

There is a natural balm that offers natural eczema relief and dermatitis treatment. This product is also recommended for psoriasis, skin rashes and rosacea.

- Cyntia Alleyne