Skin, dry

Alternative names:

asteatosis; dry skin; winter itch

Home care:

Decrease moisture loss by changing bathing habits. Short baths should be taken, with tepid (not hot) water. Minimize the use of soap; limit its use to face, armpits, and genitals if possible. Dry the skin gently. There may be a need to reduce the frequency of bathing.

Increase or maintain skin and body moisture. Bath oils or moisturizers may help, especially if used at least daily. Drink plenty of fluids. Use of a humidifier may help if the air is very dry.

Inflammation may be reduced by over-the-counter or prescribed cortisone creams or other anti-inflammatory creams or lotions.

Call your health care provider if:

• dry skin is present and persists despite treatment, or if new symptoms develop.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting your dry skin in detail may include:

• time pattern
  • When did it develop?
  • Has your skin always been dry?

• location
  • Is all of the skin dry?
  • Is the dryness only in a specific location?

• aggravating factors
  • What makes it seem worse?

• relieving factors
  • What have you done to try to make it better?
  • How well has that worked?

• other
  • What other symptoms are also present?

The physical examination will include special attention to examination of the skin. A diagnosis is made on the basis of appearance of the skin. Other disorders such as ringworm may have a similar appearance and may need to be ruled out.

After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related to dry skin, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.