What Are the Causes of Dryness?

Your body naturally produces lubricants to keep your skin, eyes, mouth and other areas of your body protected. Dryness can be the result of imbalances in your body. This can be due to underlying medical conditions such as decreased estrogen or medications.

Vaginal Dryness

• As indicated by the Mayo Clinic website, vaginal dryness can be caused by hormonal issues, breast-feeding and childbirth. A decrease in estrogen levels results in vaginal dryness. Anti-estrogen medications, auto-immune diseases and douching can also cause vaginal dryness.

Dry Mouth

• A dry mouth can be a nuisance.

  Dry mouth can be caused by medications, smoking, autoimmune diseases and nerve damage. Several forms of medications that include antihistamines and decongestants can result in the side effect dry mouth. Chemotherapeutic medications can reduce the production of saliva due to radiation. Autoimmune diseases such as HIV/AIDS can be a result of the disease.

Xerosis

• Dry skin can be the result of weather and other factors.

  Xerosis, or dry skin, is usually caused by environmental factors, according to the Mayo Clinic. Cold weather and low humidity are big contributors to dry skin. Hot baths and showers, soaps, deodorants and sun exposure can also contribute to dry skin. Certain conditions that include psoriasis and thyroid disorders can also cause dry skin.

Dry Eyes

• Dry eyes can cause an itchy, burning sensation.

  Dry eyes are the result of inadequate tear production. Your tears contain water, fatty oils and mucous. If this combination becomes imbalanced, tear production reduces. Dry eyes can be caused by wind, dry air, medications, aging, menopause, eye surgery and other conditions.