Dry skin is something many people deal with every day. When skin becomes very dry and flaky, doctors call it xerosis. This common skin problem can affect anyone, from young children to older adults. Understanding what causes xerosis and how to treat it can help you keep your skin healthy and comfortable.

What Is Xerosis?

Xerosis is the medical term for very dry skin. When you have this condition, your skin loses moisture and cannot hold water like it should. The skin may look rough, feel tight, and sometimes crack or peel. Many people notice their skin feels itchy and uncomfortable when they have xerosis.

Your skin needs water and natural oils to stay soft and smooth. When these protective layers break down, moisture escapes from your skin. This makes your skin dry and can lead to other problems if not treated properly.

Common Causes of Dry Skin

There are many reasons why people develop xerosis. Weather plays a big role in skin health. During the winter months, cold air outside and warm heating inside create a dry environment. This pulls moisture from your skin and makes it feel tight and uncomfortable.

Hot showers and baths can also cause dry skin. While they feel good, hot water strips away the natural oils that protect your skin. Using harsh soaps and body washes makes this problem worse. These products can remove the protective barrier that keeps moisture in your skin.

Getting older is another common cause of dry skin. As people age, their skin produces less oil naturally. This means older adults often struggle with dry skin more than younger people. Some medical conditions, like diabetes and thyroid problems, can also lead to very dry skin.

Taking certain medications may cause your skin to become dry. Water pills and some acne treatments are known to have this side effect. If you notice your skin getting drier after starting a new medicine, talk to your doctor about it.

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

Recognizing the signs of xerosis helps you treat it early. Your skin may look dull and feel rough when you touch it. You might see small white flakes on your skin or clothing. The skin can become red and irritated, especially if you scratch it.

Itching is one of the most common symptoms. This itching can be mild or very strong. Some people notice their skin feels tight after washing or bathing. In severe cases, the skin may crack and bleed. These cracks can be painful and may lead to infections if not treated.

The most common places to develop dry skin are the legs, arms, hands, and face. Your shins and elbows often show symptoms first. People who work with their hands a lot may notice dryness there before other areas.

How Doctors Diagnose Xerosis

Most of the time, doctors can tell if you have xerosis just by looking at your skin. They will ask questions about your daily routine and what products you use. Your doctor will want to know if the dry skin is worse at certain times of the year.

Sometimes doctors need to rule out other skin conditions. Eczema and psoriasis can look similar to very dry skin. If your doctor is not sure what is causing your symptoms, they might do more tests. A skin scraping or biopsy can help identify the exact problem.

Effective Treatment Options

Treating xerosis usually starts with good moisturizing habits. The best time to apply lotion is right after bathing, when your skin is still damp. This helps lock in moisture. Look for thick creams and ointments rather than thin lotions. Products with ingredients like petroleum jelly, lanolin, or shea butter work well.

Moisturizers with special ingredients can help repair your skin barrier. Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin are good choices. These ingredients help your skin hold onto water better. Apply moisturizer at least twice a day, or more often if your skin feels dry.

For very dry or itchy skin, your doctor might prescribe stronger treatments. Prescription creams with urea or lactic acid can help remove dead skin cells. These treatments allow moisture to penetrate deeper into your skin. Some people need steroid creams to reduce redness and itching.

Taking shorter, cooler showers helps prevent moisture loss. Keep your shower or bath time under ten minutes. Use warm water instead of hot water. Choose gentle, fragrance-free cleansers that do not strip away natural oils.

A humidifier adds moisture to the air in your home. This is especially helpful during the winter months when indoor heating makes the air very dry. Place a humidifier in your bedroom at night to help your skin stay hydrated while you sleep.

Prevention Tips for Healthy Skin

Preventing dry skin is easier than treating it once it becomes severe. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body and skin hydrated. Wear gloves when going outside in cold weather to protect your hands. Put on gloves when washing dishes or using cleaning products, too.

Choose cotton clothing instead of wool or synthetic fabrics. These materials are softer on your skin and allow it to breathe. Avoid using fabric softeners and dryer sheets that can irritate sensitive skin.

Pay attention to what you eat. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds, support healthy skin. Vitamins A and E also help keep your skin in good condition.

When to See a Dermatologist

Most cases of xerosis get better with home care. However, you should see a doctor if your symptoms do not improve after a few weeks. If your skin cracks and bleeds, or if you develop signs of infection like redness, warmth, or pus, get medical help right away.

People with diabetes or circulation problems should be extra careful about dry skin. These conditions can make it harder for the skin to heal. Regular checkups with a dermatologist can help prevent serious complications.

Understanding xerosis and how to manage it makes a big difference in your comfort and skin health. With the right care and treatment, you can keep your skin soft, smooth, and healthy all year long.