Dry skin presents itself in many different ways. Mainly, it appears as a number of tiny, white, flaky, dead skin flecks in an area that may also show a red rash. The parts of the body most prone are the face, hands, forearms and lower legs but the condition can affect any region of the body.

Symptoms differ from person to person and range from a mild itchiness to an embarrassing and painful on-going problem. In the most dire of cases the skin’s surface can become inflamed with open sores that are susceptible to infection.

The usual medical reference for dry skin is xerosis cutis. This derives from the Greek xeros meaning dry. However, eczema and contact dermatitis are two other frequently seen ailments that may result in dry skin. If you have dermatitis, you could benefit from reading a quality health information website. However, you may like to view this dermatitis video. In this article, we will not be addressing these particular medical ailments.

Natural, healthy skin is supple and gentle to the touch, topped with a thin layer of essential lipids; fatty substances that help keep the correct level of hydration in the epidermis. If these fatty lipids are damaged by compulsive personal hygiene routines or by using harsh soaps and lotions, then dry itchy skin needing treatment can be the result.

The normal process of aging can also induce a drying out of the surface skin. Indeed, a large number of elderly people suffer to a greater or lesser extent. Females are particularly prone as changes in their hormone balance can be a contributing factor to the problem.

People with an inadequate or non-varied diet often suffer from dry skin. The medical conditions of diabetes, thyroid imbalances, along with others, can also make people susceptible to dry skin.
Having understood the major causes of dry skin, you will be pleased to realise that most outbreaks of dry skin may be treated by adopting some easy to follow skin care routines.

Firstly, adopt a sensible skin cleaning routine:

Always use a hypo-allergenic, perfume free soap or cleansing lotion. Perfumes and additives can exacerbate an unwanted condition in already vulnerable skin.

Never scrub ingrained grime with a brush or harsh sponge. If you do, along with any ingrained grime, you are in danger of damaging your skin’s top protective layer.

The best option is to take only cool showers. If you are reluctant to abandon the bath, only fill it with lukewarm water. If your skin feels tight after washing, then the hot water is likely to have damaged your epidermis.

Avoid drying your skin by rubbing with a towel. This can also damage your skin’s delicate top layer. Rather, dry yourself by gently dabbing with a soft towel.

Next, make sure that you use a clinically tested moisturiser that has been verified non-toxic:

Regularly moisturising is a vital part of treating dry skin outbreaks. However, always opt for a moisturiser that is fragrance, and preferably, alcohol free – the less allergens that your skin is exposed to, the the quicker it is likely to heal. This will rule out many cosmetic moisturising lotions and creams.

Finally, make the effort to become self-aware:

Monitor the condition and extent of your dry skin. You may be able to pinpoint an activity or pastime that has a detrimental effect on your dry skin. Exposure to irritants play a decisive role in initiating and exacerbating dry skin and its associated problems.A lot of those with dry skin problems have experienced a curious coincidence. When travelling abroad, they have noticed that their skin quality improves whilst on vacation in a sub-tropical climate. Madeira Island is a highly prized travel destination for the tourist and boasts a long list of 5* hotels. It has many interesting tourist attractions and quaint places of interest. When looking at places to stay consider the small fishing village of Porto Moniz.

Adopting these few simple guidelines will help to reduce or even completely cure many cases of dry skin. However, it is very important that if your skin condition is persistent, or the area affected is puffy or painful to touch, or the onset is rapid, then you really should consult your doctor.

Disclaimer: It Should be noted that this article contains information freely available in the popular press and medical publications that deal with medical skin conditions. Nothing contained here is intended to be or should be considered to be any sort of medical advice. For medical advice the reader should consult with their doctor or other medical specialist.

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