It is common to experience dry skin, especially during the colder months when skin is exposed to harsh weather conditions and low humidity. Applying moisturizer will usually be enough to relieve and eliminate dry patches.
Some people suffer from persistent and chronic dry skin. This could be a sign of underlying medical conditions that require treatment. We will explore the medical conditions that may cause dry patches of skin on your body, as well as other factors.
What Does Dry Skin Feel and Look Like?
Dry patches of skin are often rough and scaly, as opposed to generalized dryness. The entire body can be affected, but the most common areas to see dry patches are the face, elbows and wrists, hands or lower arms, chest or lower legs, feet or ankles, or eyelids.
Causes of dry skin patches
Dry skin patches are caused by a variety of factors. Several of these can be treated. These causes can include:
1. Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis occurs when your skin is exposed to a substance that causes an adverse reaction. It can appear as an itchy, discolored rash or dark patches of dry skin. You may see scaling on your fingers if it is affecting your hands. Contact dermatitis is often triggered.
Contact dermatitis is usually treated with oral medications or creams containing steroid hormones. Contact dermatitis cannot be transmitted to other people or contracted from another person.
2. Psoriasis
The rapid proliferation of skin cells is a characteristic of this autoimmune disorder. Psoriasis can cause dry, itchy patches of skin on the body. This chronic condition is characterized by periodic flare-ups that can be caused by various factors, such as:
There are many treatment options available to alleviate the symptoms of psoriasis. There are many treatment options available, including topical creams and oral or injectable medications, as well as light therapy.
3. Eczema
Eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis) is a skin disorder that causes dry patches of skin to appear on the legs, hands, and other parts of the body. These patches can range in color from greyish-brown to reddish-brown, depending on the individual’s skin.
Scratching the affected area can cause crusting. Eczema does not spread and can be treated with medications, creams and light therapy.
4. Athlete’s foot
Anyone can get athlete’s foot, which is a fungal infection that affects the skin between toes. A scaly rash can cause itching, burning or stinging.
The fungus can be spread by sharing personal items and by contacting surfaces that contain the fungus. Antifungal creams or ointments are often prescribed by doctors to treat and eliminate this infection.
5. Dry Air
Sometimes, the dry, cold air can cause your skin to lose moisture and form dry patches. Winter is a time when this problem is most prevalent. During the summer, humidity levels can increase and prevent skin from drying. Nevertheless, excessive sun exposure can also cause dry skin.
6. Dehydration
A lack of fluids can cause dry patches that do not itch on the skin. It is important to drink:
Men aged 19-30 years old should drink 13 cups of liquids per day.
Women aged 19-30 years old should drink 9 cups of liquids per day.
5. Nutritional Deficiencies
Dry, pale patches of skin can develop if you do not consume enough calcium, vitamin D, or vitamin E. These dry patches of skin caused by nutritional deficiencies are usually harmless. A healthcare provider might recommend that you improve your diet or take supplements to correct these deficiencies.
6. Soaps, excessive washing and other harmful substances
Skin Dryness can be caused by the use of antiperspirants or harsh soaps. In addition, taking long, hot baths or showers can make the problem worse. This problem can be alleviated by using milder products, and limiting the use of them.
Conclusion
Dry skin patches are caused by a variety of factors. These include underlying skin conditions or external environmental factors. These symptoms can often be managed successfully with the right medications or home remedies. Consult your doctor if you notice that the dry patches on your skincare are bothersome and worsening.
