- Categories: Skin Whitening
- Tags: 28 Days, Allergens, Atopic Dermatitis, Dermatitis, Dry Patchy Skin, Eczema, Fish Scale, Fish Skin, Flake, Flaky Dry Skin, Hypodermis, Moisturizers, Neurodermatitis, Psoriasis, Rapid Growth, Scaly Patches, Skin Cells, Skin Condition, Skin Disease, Steroid Creams
It’s hard not to get worried when you realize one day that you have patches of dry skin on your body. It can be disfiguring and distressing, especially if the patches appear on exposed parts of your body, such as your arms and face. For the most part, dry patchy skin is often only temporary and responds well to home treatment measures. This article will illustrate the more common causes of dry patchy skin, as well as how to avoid or treat them.
1. Ichthyosis
Ichthyosis literally means “fish skin”, and is also known as “fish-scale disease” or “fish-skin disease.” Ichthyosis is marked by scaly patches of dry skin that may occur anywhere in the body. The scaly patches vaguely resemble the scales of a fish. There is currently no way to avoid ichthyosis, but application of moisturizers can help improve the skin’s condition.
2. Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is often called “eczema,” and is the most common type of dermatitis. It is hereditary and runs in many families. The skin is unusually sensitive to irritants and allergens in food and the environment, presenting red, flaky dry skin. Atopic dermatitis occurs more commonly in infants, where it often attacks the cheeks. As with ichthyosis, moisturizers can help alleviate the symptoms, and over-the-counter steroid creams are also helpful. Avoiding known allergens is also a good idea.
3. Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin condition marked by a rapid growth of skin. Skin cells usually take 28 days to move from the hypodermis (the lowest portion of the skin) to the epidermis (the surface of the skin), where they die. With psoriasis, this cycle is compressed into a mere few days, resulting in large amounts of dry patchy skin which flake off. Psoriasis is often treatable by daily lukewarm baths or showers, mild soaps and cleansers, and moisturizers.
4. Neurodermatitis
Neurodermatitis is a type of dermatitis that is aggravated by scratching. Sometimes the skin becomes so dry and itchy that you scratch it on impulse. The scratching makes the dry skin worse, making it thicker and even itchier, until it develops an itchy patch of dry skin. Neurodermatitis often cannot heal unless you keep yourself from scratching, and this can be done by putting a bandage over the affected area. Moisturizers can also help soothe the itch.
5. Nummular Eczema
Nummular eczema is a type of rash that causes coin-shaped patches on the skin. While its cause is unknown, it has been found to be associated with dry skin and the winter months. Its condition has been found to improve with faithful application of moisturizers and prescription strength cortisone creams. Avoidance of wool clothing and not using fabric softeners in the laundry can also help ease the symptoms. It is often best to have the nummular eczema checked by your doctor in order to arrive at a more specific, effective treatment.
6. Seborrheic Eczema
Seborrheic eczema is better known as that annoying scalp problem, “dandruff.” While the patches of dry skin appear most often on the scalp, they can also occur on the eyebrows, the face, in the armpits, the genitals, and around the navel; anywhere the oil glands are more concentrated. It is usually caused by oily skin, stress, infrequent shampooing, and use of cleansers with alcohol. Dandruff can be treated with the usual dandruff shampoos-leave the shampoo on your hair for five minutes to ensure the medication reaches the scalp. More serious cases of seborrheic eczema often merit a visit to the doctor.
Other causes include overexfoliating, overuse of Retin-A, and the use of moisturizers that contain alcohol. Overexfoliating can take its toll on your skin by drying it too thoroughly. Retin-A also tends to dry out the skin, and while it can benefit the skin with mild, controlled use, it can shrivel the skin and cause wrinkles when used too much. Alcohol also has a drying effect on the skin.
Treatments include drinking enough water to keep the skin hydrated (8 glasses a day is enough), resisting the urge to pick, scratch, or peel at the dry patchy skin (it can open fissures in the skin, inviting infection), and avoiding any skin products that contain alcohol.
The rule of thumb is to see the doctor when the dry patchy skin occurs suddenly and without warning. It may be a sign of a more serious skin condition. Also, see your doctor when the dry patchy skin fails to respond to home treatment. Your doctor may authorize a biopsy (taking a small piece of your skin and examining it under a microscope) to determine the exact cause of your affliction.
By: Della Franklin
- Categories: Skin Whitening
- Tags: Autoimmune Disorder, Caffeinated Beverages, Cool Mist, Dandruff, Dry Flaky Skin, Dry Skin, Dry Winter, Gentle Soap, Good Preventative Habits, Histamines, Itchy Skin, Seborrheic Dermatitis, Skin Condition, Skin Conditions, Skin Moisturizer, Tepid Baths, Tight Clothing, Warm Baths, Winter Skin, Wintertime
Low humidity in the wintertime causes everyone’s skin to become dry and itchy. Scratching adds to the fire by removing the skin’s protective oils and other compounds. The constant scratching then triggers the release of histamines that cause redness and swelling.
Following are tips for soothing dry winter skin: Keep it cool. Overheated rooms bring blood to the skin’s surface in a process called vasodilation, making skin warmer and drier. Lower your thermostat to around 68-degrees. If your home is dry, consider using a cool mist humidifier. Avoid irritating clothing. Steer clear of scratchy fabrics, such as wool, that can irritate your skin. Cotton works best. Also avoid tight clothing that could cause chaffing and further irritation. Ease up on alcohol and caffeine. Alcohol and caffeinated beverages are vasodilators. Take warm baths or showers. Short, tepid baths or showers are better for your skin than hot baths or showers. Use a gentle, soap-free cleanser to avoid dry skin. Use a moisturizer. Pat your skin dry and use a good moisturizer after bathing. Use a heavier ointment rather than a light cream. For extremely dry skin, use a moisturizer with glycerin or other oils. For dry, flaky skin, try a moisturizer containing lactic acid.
Following are skin conditions that also lead to dry, flaky skin: Psoriasis. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that causes raised red patches that itch, crack, or bleed. Sunlight can help reduce psoriatic symptoms. In the winter, most people get less sun, so the psoriasis flares up. Eczema. Eczema is a common skin condition characterized by red, swollen, dry and itchy skin. See your doctor if you have a family history of allergies or asthma since this will make you more susceptible to eczema. Seborrheic dermatitis. This skin condition causes flakiness on the face or dandruff on the scalp.
Good preventative habits and lots of moisturizer can help skin stay comfortable during the winter. If you have a skin condition, you may need prescription medications or other treatments to stop the itching.
By: Hilary Basile
- Categories: Skin Whitening
- Tags: Dehydration, Disease Diabetes, Dry Skin Care, Dry Weather, Early Intervention, Flaky Skin, Harsh Weather, Hodgkin S Disease, Hot Water, Humidifier, Liver Failure, Medical Cause, Medical Concern, Medical Condition, Medical Issue, Skin Care Product, Skin Care Products, Skin Care Routine, Skin Condition, Thyroid Disease
Treating dry skin does not have to be a mystery. To take care of your condition permanently you must first determine what is causing your skin to dry out and then buy the right products to address the issue. Early intervention and consistency is key, so be sure to stick to your skin care routine at all costs. Doing so will not only cure dry skin, it will prevent it from occurring in the first place.
Before we look at the products for dry skin, let’s look at some reasons why your skin could be lacking in moisture. It is only after you have a good idea of what is causing your dry skin that you can actually formulate a plan to cure it. Here are a few of the major causes of itchy, flaky skin:
* Medical condition – There are several medical conditions that can cause dry skin. Some of these conditions include Thyroid disease, Hodgkin’s disease, diabetes and liver failure. In order to treat a skin condition when a medical cause is present, you should first address the medical issue. In many cases, controlling the medical concern is enough to bring the skin back into balance. If not, you may want to consider hydrating your skin with the skin care products mentioned below.
* Dehydration – Did you know that the majority of people are dehydrated and do not even know it? To stay fully hydrated, you must drink 8 to 10 glasses of water each day. This number increases dramatically if you are physically active or if the weather is extremely hot. Remember; your skin is hydrated internally. If your body lacks the water to do this, your skin will suffer and become dry.
* Weather – Cold and harsh weather can zap the moisture right out of your skin. You may also experience dry skin during the winter months due to your heating system. Be sure to cover all exposed skin before going outdoors and use a humidifier inside your home.
* Bathing – Hot water and soap all work to remove dirt, debris and oil from your skin. The only problem is that bathing also removes the oil that is responsible for keeping moisture in your skin. To reduce the effect that bathing has on your dry skin, bathe in tepid water and use moisturizers afterward.
* Medications – Certain medications and medical treatments can result in dry skin. Be sure to talk to your doctor about the possibility of this. He or she may be able to give you some pointers on how to counteract this side effect of treatment.
The Most Popular Dry Skin Products
Once you know what is causing your dry skin, it is time to find a product to hydrate it. There are many products out on the market so it can be a little confusing to choose the right ones for your needs.
Here is a brief guide to help you out:
* Basic lotions – Basic lotions are ideal for use after showering or several times throughout the day. They are not good for chronic dry skin conditions or for spot treatments. The Sweet Grass Farm Shea Butter Lotion sold by Dogwood Square is suitable for hands and body. It contains shea butter and olive oil, a powerful combination of moisture and natural antioxidants. This lotion gets rave reviews for its rich creamy texture and moisturizing abilities.
* Silicone lotions – These lotions are great for the hands and feet. They protect the skin against the elements by forming a silicone layer. This is ideal for people who have to wash their hands a lot.
* Body butter – Body butter is an intense moisturizing cream that is best used for dry skin spots or as a weekly treatment. You can use this intense treatment on tough spots throughout the day, but you should avoid applying it to the rest of your skin on a regular basis as it can cause greasiness.
* Medicated creams – Are used by people who have a recurring dry skin condition that will not heal. These creams are most often used by diabetics who are facing several skin issues including infection.
Curing dry skin is easily done if you know which products to use. If you use the wrong products, you will likely not get the results that you desire. Keep in mind that what works for your friend may not work for you. Everyone has different skin and each skin type requires a different kind of treatment.
Sometimes, the best way to find the perfect products is through trial and error. Take advantage of trial offers, and if a product does not cure your dry skin, do not hesitate to return it for a refund or exchange.
By: Della Franklin