Dry skin
Dry skin can be an embarrassing and uncomfortable problem. It can range from a single sore and itchy patch to noticeably flaky skin that can affect your self-esteem. In many cases, there is usually some form of treatment that can help manage or alleviate the effects of dry skin.
Medical conditions
Dry skin is one of the symptoms associated with certain medical conditions. Below are some of the more common problems that can cause dry skin:
- Eczema is characterised as the skin’s inability to retain moisture. This results in dry patches that often appear on the hands, elbows, scalp, neck, cheeks and knees.
- Psoriases is caused by the accelerated production of new skin cells. This results in a dry, silvery layer of skin in the affected areas. Psoriases usually occurs in the elbows, scalp and knees.
- Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the toes and feet. One of the symptoms of athlete’s foot is that the skin between your toes and on the soles of your feet become cracked and dry.
Lifestyle factors
Skin is delicate and could become dry due to mistreatment, without you even realising. For example, excessive scrubbing whilst washing can remove the natural oils that keep your skin soft, resulting in dry skin. Taking regular hot showers can also be associated with or aggravate dry skin.
Dry skin can also be associated with using certain products. For example, using certain laundry detergents or soaps can lead to allergic reactions that result in dry skin. Additionally, using skin products that are alcohol-based or drinking too much alcohol can dry out the skin as alcohol can cause the skin to become dehydrated.
Treatment
Skin problems tend to be fairly straightforward. Visit one of our Ahmeys healthcare professionals to undertake an examination of the affected area, discuss the possible causes and with the correct diagnosis get you the medication or specialist treatment you need to tackle your skin condition.
