Common causes of dry skin

Dry skin is a problem that afflicts many people.  Many people report that their skin goes behind red and itchy to feel even tight and painful.  In addition dry skin can leave you looking dull, red and flaky and still having to combat that maddening itchy feeling. The good news (yes there is good news) is that dry skin is very common and for the most part easily treatable. It is important to keep in mind that beyond the cosmetic issues affecting you when your skin is dry it is also crucial to realize that your intact, healthy skin is your body's primary defense against infection.  In other words if you let your skin get dried out and cracked, you could be giving all sorts of nasty bacteria a way in.  This in turn can lead to more serious problems. So here is what you need to know about the most common causes of dry skin and what you can do to treat it.

• Long, Hot Showers and Baths-If you are prone to dry skin then you need to realize that prolonged exposure to water (especially hot water) can wash away the natural oils that protect your skin.  An easy way to tell is if you get out of the bath or shower and your skin feels tight, it is dried out. So if this is a problem for you start by choosing showers over baths.  And most of all limit your showers to a few minutes and try to keep the water temperature down. Remember that the water does not have to be cold but it should be lukewarm rather then hot. In addition you may want to try angling the shower head away from you while you shave or soap up.  This way you can reduce the time your skin is being pounded by the water. After your shower pat your body dry with a towel (rather than vigorously rubbing it) and put on a moisturizer right away.
  
• Soap-This can quickly strip away your skin's protective oils, and we tend to use way too much of it. Experts recommend that unless you are a child or a ditch digger, the only parts of the body that need any soap or cleanser at all are the face, hands, feet, groin and underarms.  The rest of the body can simply just be rinsed off with water. In addition if you have dry skin look for milder, "fragrance-free" soaps.
  
• Dry Air-This is probably the most common cause of dry skin, especially during the winter. While the cold weather can dry out your skin you may be surprised to learn that the biggest problem lies indoors with they dry heat that is churned out by your furnace. To counteract this expert's recommend that you start with lots of moisturizer and turning down your thermostat a little bit can help as well. In addition try using a humidifier in your bedroom, and bundling up (hats, scarves and gloves, when you are outside).
  

• Medications-There are a number of medicines that have the side effect of drying out the skin. These can include but are not limited to medications for:
  

1. High blood pressure, like diuretics
   
2. Allergies, like antihistamines
   
3. Acne and other skin conditions, like retinoid
   

It is recommended that that if you notice the onset of a dry skin problem after starting a medication, talk to your health care provider. He or she may be able to help by changing the dose or switching the medication.

• Medical Conditions-While dry skin is usually caused by external factors it is important to realize that it can be a sign of a something going on internally. This can include a natural physiologic change or an illness. As women age the change in hormones can make the skin become drier. Other people regardless of age are simply genetically prone to dry skin. There are also a number of medical conditions can result in dry skin. This should be evaluated by your health care professional.
  

Some of the more common of these medical causes are:

• Skin conditions, (eczema and psoriasis).
  
• Diabetes
  
• Hypothyroidism
  
• Malnutrition