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What Causes Severe Dry Skin?

K. K. Lowen
K. K. Lowen

Severe dry skin may be caused by a number of things. Skin and medical conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and hypothyroidism can cause the skin to become extremely dry. Other factors that may cause exceptionally dry skin include a lack of humidity and the use of harsh soaps and cleansers. Showering or bathing too frequently or with water that is too hot can dry out the skin as well.

Atopic dermatitis, a form of eczema, is frequently the cause of severe dry skin. People who suffer from atopic dermatitis often have dry and scaly areas of skin on the face, neck, knees, ankles, wrists, or elbows. Sometimes those who have mild eczema believe that they simply have dry skin, but normal moisturizers may not be enough to alleviate their symptoms.

Space heaters can dry out skin.
Space heaters can dry out skin.

Psoriasis is a common, chronic skin disease that can cause severe dry skin. Symptoms of the condition include the red patches and scaling skin. There are many types of psoriasis, and some may cause the skin to dry badly enough to crack and bleed. Psoriasis treatments exist, but some severe cases can be disabling or disfiguring.

Some thyroid disorders can be the source of severe dry skin as well. Hypothyroidism, for example, prevents the thyroid gland from producing an adequate amount of thyroid hormones and reduces the productivity of sweat and oil glands in the skin. The decreased gland productivity can result in extremely dry and rough skin.

Severe dry skin can stem from drying skin care products or lack of humidity in the air.
Severe dry skin can stem from drying skin care products or lack of humidity in the air.

A lack of moisture in the air can dry out the skin. People who live in desert climates that are hot but have low humidity may have skin dryness issues. Humidity levels can drop during the winter months as well. Heating and cooling the air may exacerbate the problem because air conditioners, space heaters, central heat, and fireplaces all reduce the air’s humidity. A combination of a humid climate and cooling or heating the air quickly can cause severe dry skin.

Using petroleum jelly on the hands before bed helps to alleviate severely dry skin.
Using petroleum jelly on the hands before bed helps to alleviate severely dry skin.

People who shower or bathe frequently may suffer from extremely dry skin, especially if they prefer to remain in very hot water for a significant length of time. Contact with hot water can deteriorate lipid barriers in the skin, which causes the skin to dry out. Swimming in pools with high chlorine levels may have the same effect.

Detergents and soaps can break down the skin’s lipid barrier as well. Deodorant and antibacterial soaps rapidly dry out the skin, and harsh shampoos can cause severe dry skin on the scalp. Clothes detergents that are excessively strong also may aggravate and dry out the skin.

Discussion Comments

Raynbow

I have had dry skin for years, and recently found out that I have a thyroid issues. Though I thought my problem was caused by dry air and harsh soaps, I actually had a treatable health problem.

Anyone who develops dry skin, especially suddenly, should not assume that it is a minor problem without seeing his or her doctor first. Getting a diagnosis will rule out health issues and provide the best treatment options available.

Ocelot60

@heavanet- Creams and lotions that contain artificial ingredients, dyes, and preservatives can be just as irritating to people with sensitive skin as using no products at all. For those people, natural products are the best options.

When shopping for a cream or lotion for your dry skin, you should look for formulas that have ingredients like honey, plant-based oils, and shea butter. Paraben-free products are also good for sensitive skin.

You can also use pure, natural oils instead of creams and lotions for extra protection against allergic reactions. Olive, almond, and coconut oils are all good options that are natural and very soothing to dry skin.

Heavanet

My skin gets very dry during the winter months, even when I use a humidifier. I also have sensitive skin, so I can't use just any types of lotions or creams. What are some good remedies for soothing dry, sensitive skin?

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    • Space heaters can dry out skin.
      By: Denis Gladkiy
      Space heaters can dry out skin.
    • Severe dry skin can stem from drying skin care products or lack of humidity in the air.
      By: Konstantin Kulikov
      Severe dry skin can stem from drying skin care products or lack of humidity in the air.
    • Using petroleum jelly on the hands before bed helps to alleviate severely dry skin.
      By: Graça Victoria
      Using petroleum jelly on the hands before bed helps to alleviate severely dry skin.
    • Dry scalp is a common scalp problem.
      By: roblan
      Dry scalp is a common scalp problem.
    • The environment plays a key role in causing irritated, dry skin.
      By: Lovrencg
      The environment plays a key role in causing irritated, dry skin.
    • People in desert climates that are hot with low humidity can have issues with dry skin.
      By: surasaki
      People in desert climates that are hot with low humidity can have issues with dry skin.
    • Medical conditions like psoriasis cause patches of extremely dry skin.
      By: Farina3000
      Medical conditions like psoriasis cause patches of extremely dry skin.
    • Frequently washing dishes by hand can cause dry skin.
      By: kmiragaya
      Frequently washing dishes by hand can cause dry skin.