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Signs & Symptoms of Dry and Itchy Skin

Dry and itchy skin conditions occur when there is not enough water in the topmost layers of the skin. The water content of normal skin ranges from 10 to 20 percent. When the skin's water content falls below 10 percent, the signs and symptoms of dry skin appear. These include tightness, itching, flaking and a rough, scaly appearance. Common dry skin conditions are eczema, dermatitis and ichthyosis and xerosis.

  1. Signs and Symptoms

    • Dry skin is dull, flaky, chapped and looks ashy. The symptoms are most apparent in the epidermis, or uppermost layers of the skin. Your skin might feel itchy and scale off when scratched. Dryness tends to occur in patches, and is most commonly seen on the hands, arms, feet, knees, elbows, abdomen, lower legs and the soles of the feet. Severe dryness may lead to cracks and fissures in the skin, which can become infected if left untreated. Itchy skin tends to lead to scratching, which causes injury or cuts to the skin and further itching. Constant scratching causes the skin to become thick and leathery and may cause bumps to appear on the surface of the skin. The injury caused by scratching can lead to infection by opportunistic bacteria that live on the skin.

    Dry Skin

    • Dry skin is a medical condition characterized by abnormal dryness of the skin. It is a very common condition that affects all segments of the population, but tends to be seen more often in elderly people. It is a temporary problem for most people, and is easily resolved with proper treatment. For others, it is a long-term condition with no easy resolution. Dry skin results when the skin loses its protective oils, called sebums. With no sebum layer, the underlying skin loses moisture. The resulting dry skin may be invisible or display the common symptoms of flaking and itching.

    External Factors

    • Dry skin can be caused or worsened by external factors. Common causes of dry skin are harsh soaps and detergents, frequent handwashing, cold or dry air, extreme temperatures and winter weather. More serious causes include underlying medical conditions and thyroid problems.

    Treatment and Prevention

    • Dry skin can be prevented by avoiding the triggering factors. Avoid drying detergents and soaps. Take precautions against exposure to harsh weather conditions, stay out of cold and dry air as much as possible. Mild dry and itchy skin conditions that are not caused by underlying medical problems and have no complications are easily treated and resolve quickly with treatment. Moisturize dry areas with suitable moisturizing agents and emollients frequently. Untreated dry and itchy skin conditions can lead to infection, skin discoloration and complications, so take the necessary precautions and monitor the condition closely.

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