Causes of dry skin

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Factors which contribute to dry and cracked skin include:

Inherited factors

Metabolic factors such as an underactive thyroid gland, or excessive weight loss.

Increasing age, resulting in decreased natural lubrication.

Cool weather, especially when windy or the humidity is low.

Air conditioning, central heating or sitting close to a fire or fan heater.

Excessive bathing, showering or swimming, especially in strongly chlorinated hot or cold water.

Contact with soap, detergents and solvents.

Frictional irritation and chapping.

Treatment of dry skin

An important aspect of treatment is to identify and tackle any contributing factors (see the list of causes above).

Reduce how often you bath or shower, and use lukewarm water. Showers may be better than baths.

Replace standard soap with a substitute such as a synthetic detergent cleanser, water-miscible emollient, bath oil, anti-pruritic tar oil, etc.

Apply an emollient liberally and often, particularly after bathing, and when itchy. The drier the skin, the thicker this should be, especially on the hands.

Treat eczematous patches with a topical steroid for a 5 to 15 day course. These are prescribed by your doctor and should be only applied to the red and itchy areas.