Dry skin

Synonyms in a broader sense

dry skin

Medical: Xerosis cutis

English: dry skin

definition

There are three different skin types:

1. dry skin
2. oily skin
3. normal skin

Most people, however, have so-called combination skin, especially on the face, which is made up of the skin types normal, oily skin and dry skin. It is also not uncommon for different skin types to be found on different parts of the body, for example someone with otherwise dry skin has oily facial skin.

Read more on the topic: Rash from dry skin

Dry skin is characterized by feeling tense and often itchy. In contrast to oily skin, the pores are usually small and it looks rather cracked or rough. Many people who are completely healthy have dry skin. In this respect, dry skin is usually not a disease, but only a variation of the norm, which, however, often requires treatment, since the affected people suffer from their dry skin not only due to complaints such as itching, but also and often for optical reasons .
A number of factors, both genetic and environmental, make dry skin more likely. There are also some diseases that are primarily the skin, but can also affect other organs that can be associated with dry skin.

In principle, you can have dry skin all over your body, but those areas that are poorly supplied with blood and / or contain a relatively low density of sebum glands, such as the lower leg, are predestined for this.

Epidemiology

Very many people are affected by dry skin, although it is difficult to give an exact number, as it is above all personal feelings that decide whether you consider your skin dry or not. Dry skin is particularly common in old age.

Symptoms

Dry skin usually looks rough and brittle and can sometimes be flaky or reddened. In connection with dry skin, wrinkles are often found more often or those that are already there are more noticeable. In addition, the skin is very sensitive, which is why there is a feeling of tension and the affected area itches (see also: Skin itchy). If the skin is very dry and damaged as a result, this also leads to increased inflammation. Dry skin is often red, both from the inflammation in the skin and from scratching the affected area.

With very dry skin, a so-called dehydration eczema can form, which is particularly noticeable after bathing or showering, when the skin tears noticeably. See also: Eczema from dry skin

Dry skin on the face

Dry skin on the face is usually indicated by a dry, red nose and wrinkled cheeks as well as a wrinkled forehead. Older patients in particular suffer from dry skin, which is mostly noticeable on the face. This is, for one, to a certain extent Lack of water due to the fact that older patients often forget that they are about 2-3 liters per day should drink. On the other hand, one is missing in old age adequate sebum production. The sebum glands in the skin no longer produce enough protective fats (but in puberty they are Sebum glands overproductive, which is why pimples develop). Since the protective film of fat on the skin is missing, dry skin is particularly easy on the face. Especially with zu strong sunlight but also at cold and at dry heating air the skin then quickly dries out. By daily cleaning the face with Facial toner the skin can also be dried out. Here it is recommended moisturizing facial toner and especially on that daily care to switch to moisturizing face creams to avoid dry skin on the face.
Younger skin is also quickly dried out by external influences such as cold, heating air or solar radiation. Especially the nose is often affected in winter because, in addition to the cold, frequent blowing of the nose with rough handkerchiefs puts a lot of strain on the nose and makes it more susceptible. But also the Lips are often dry in winter because of the cold weather Narrowing (Vasoconstriction) the Blood vessels comes and thus the face, but especially the lip, does not receive enough hydration. Here it is particularly important to pay attention to the right lip care. Basically, if possible perfume free creams to be used for the lip. vaseline is therefore a good choice for dry lips.
In general, it is important to pay special attention to the face, as the face is usually unprotected in the cold and is often exposed to direct sunlight even in summer. Since these factors quickly lead to dry facial skin, you should pay attention to high-quality care products, especially on the face, and also not unnecessarily burden the face (for example, wear a cap in summer that provides the face with shade and thus prevents too much Moisture is removed).

Dry skin under the eyes

Dry skin develops quickly under the eyes. Dry air in winter from heating, solar radiation or care products and cosmetics quickly dry out the sensitive skin around the eyes.
But it can also be an expression of an allergic reaction or infection. Care products in particular can cause allergic reactions in the eyes.

Neurodermatitis can also dry out the skin on the eyes.

Read all about them here Atopic dermatitis of the eye

A dangerous and very painful disease that can also lead to dry skin in an early stage is herpes disease of the eyes.
The dry skin has small lesions through which further pathogens can penetrate the skin and inflammation of the eyelids can occur.

Therapeutically, care products should be used sparingly and the skin should not be washed too often. Products containing urea should be used carefully on the eyes. Bepanthen ointment is well suited, and there is also a special cream for use on the eyes and nose.

Read more on this topic at: Dry skin under the eyes

Causes of Dry Skin

The causes of dry skin (xeroderma) are very diverse and not least depend on the Age and the health status from. There are several external factors that can cause dry skin. On the one hand, this includes longer-lasting cold. The skin on the face usually feels very dry and rough after a winter walk, as the cold draws fluid from the skin. Extreme too heat can lead to dry skin because of the sweat a lot of fluid is lost. Even after one hot bath or a long round swim, dry skin occurs. Especially Salt water can be seen as the cause of dry skin, as the water with the salt also removes a lot of fluid from the skin. For particularly sensitive patients, however, simple stimuli such as wearing sweaters made of wool are sometimes enough to get dry skin.

In addition to these external causes, there are many "internal" causes that can be blamed for dry skin. For one, leads Dehydration very quickly to dry skin, especially if the patient evaporates a lot (sweats). But also wrong or too one-sided nutrition The skin can dry out or become too Impurities how Pimples to lead. The psyche can also be a cause of too dry skin, but this factor usually plays a subordinate role. This point only becomes important when it is a psychological one Compulsive behavior acts. Patient with a Compulsory washing partially wash their skin 5-7 times per dayg and scrub off the important film of fat from the skin with a brush so that the skin no longer has a protective barrier and dries out.

In addition to the psychological, internal or external causes of dry skin, there are also various skin diseases or drugs that lead to cracked, dry skin. Especially the Neurodermatitis is a condition in which the skin is extreme dry, reddened and itchy is.
But also the psoriasis, Diabetes mellitus, one Hypothyroidism or Eczema can be the cause of dry skin.
But age also plays a decisive role. The older a patient gets, the less sebum (fats) the sebum glands in the skin produce. Accordingly, the is missing protective grease film on the skin and the skin becomes cracked and brittle. This underproduction of sebum is known as Sebostasis.
The final cause of dry skin is the use of Luxury foods, how alcohol or Cigarettes to call. Alcohol deprives the body of valuable fluids as the body loses more fluid through sweating after consuming alcohol. Toxins and nicotine take care of you when you smoke poor blood circulation the skin and thus for a loss of fluid, which can be seen as the cause of too dry skin.

diagnosis

Most people diagnose dry skin on themselves because the symptoms are very characteristic and clear.

If you go to a doctor with this complaint, he will first conduct a detailed survey. The anamnesis should at least include the questions when and how long the affected person suffers from the symptoms, whether he determined regularly Medication whether he is other Underlying diseases or Allergies has whether lately the nutrition has been changed and whether there are any other accompanying symptoms. In addition, there are of course many other points that the doctor can work off in order to resolve the problem Cause of dry skin to find out.

This is followed by a physical examination to confirm the diagnosis and also to determine the severity of dry skin more precisely. There are special devices that can precisely determine the water and fat content of the skin surface and also measure the roughness.

In addition, an allergy test should definitely be carried out to rule out that an allergy is causing the dry skin.

If, after this first impression, the doctor suspects a certain underlying disease (some of those that may be possible: see causes), he will follow up with different examinations according to this suspicion. This could include a blood test or a stool test. Imaging also like a roentgen or one Ultrasonic may be necessary. The doctor may also introduce Colonoscopy during which he can simultaneously take a sample of the tissue (biopsy).

therapy

Dry skin shows up particularly quickly in the Facial area as well as on Elbow, to the Kneel and in the field of hands. One recognizes the dry skin cracked, reddened and sometimes scaly spots. Although these features are all superficial, it is important to note that therapy for dry skin cannot be achieved by simply applying lotion. First of all, the cause of the dry skin must be known. For many patients, a sufficient amount of therapy is to drink more fluids drink and yourself wash less often. Showering once a day is enough for the body, but more frequent showers deprive the body of important ones Protective fats. In addition, the use of a Additive-free shower gel be respected. Also to frequent bathing dries out the skin and so avoidance can already be seen as therapy.
Other therapy options include avoiding excessive Exposure to sunlight and heat as well as avoiding extreme cold. Even in winter it should be avoided to frequent the dry heating air to expose. If the cause of the dry skin lies more in a disease, this should be treated first (for example in the case of a Hypothyroidism). In addition, on luxury foods such as alcohol or tobacco be waived.
Otherwise, as a therapy for dry skin, smearing with a fragrance-free and additive-free cream. You can also use moisturizing products, such as moisturizing shower gels or oils. There is also medicinal oil baths from the pharmacy, which help the skin to build up and keep a protective layer of fat throughout the day. Another therapeutic measure is wearing loose clothing that is as close as possible to you perfume-free detergent should be washed around further irritations counteract it with pollutants or perfumes. There are also several Schüssler saltsthat can be used as therapy for dry skin. Helps with dry skin Sodium chloratum. For very dry skin on the already Dandruff should be recognized Potassium sulfuricum be used.

Home remedies for dry skin

There are also numerous Home remedieswhich are suitable for the treatment of dry skin in a wide variety of areas. Dry skin especially occurs in winter with heating air on, can the Air additionally humidified be in which one damp rag on the heater lays or one humidifier acquires.

Moisturizing products are Quark and Yogurt, just one of them mask that can be made with Cucumbers (also contain a lot of liquid) or honey and then apply it to the face or the affected area of ​​the body.

In addition, the Carrot juice said that he was the Skin softer should do if you use it as a facial toner and rub it on the face. That too Bath in milk (1l milk in a bathtub) or in oil (200 ml olive oil) promises soft skin. The olive oil can also directly on the skin be applied.

Because dry skin is often caused by one Dehydration arise, it is advised to avoid this in the beginning and enough to drink. Everyone should drink at least two liters of water or tea per day. Coffee, on the other hand, only removes fluids from the body.

A healthy, vitamin-rich diet is also important for a healthy complexion. The Vitamins A and B., such as Minerals and Biotin keep skin healthy and hair and nails strong.

The miracle plant Aloe vera is particularly rich in fluids. In addition to the creams available, the slimy concentrate, which can be obtained directly from the plant, is also very effective against dry skin. When applying In the area of ​​the eyes, however, care must be taken to ensure that nothing gets into the eyes.

Also Baby oils are also great for dry skin. You can use the most effective medicinal herbs against dry skin Healing ointments getting produced. Nature's miracle cures are: yarrow, zinc, Honorary award, lanolin and Marigoldsthat special moisturizing Act. thyme and Chamomile soothe additionally the itching and through the antimicrobial properties they reduce the likelihood of infections on the skin.

Also can Beeswax are used in creams or care lotions. The beeswax not only adds fat, but also the Skin also smoothed and small cracks closed.

Diet for dry skin

Dry skin is a problem that affects a wide variety of people. Affected patients usually try Creams or Oil baths counteract the drying out of the skin. However, it is important to know that it is not only external factors such as excessive sunlight or cold that can dry out the skin. Also one wrong diet can lead to dry skin, in severe cases it can even be responsible for pathological findings such as the skin disease Neurodermatitiswhere the symptoms and appearances are very rough and reddened areas of skin. First of all, one thing is very important in nutrition adequate hydration. Older patients in particular often forget that they should drink at least 2 liters a day. When the body lacks water, it draws this water from the skin, resulting in dry skin due to poor diet. Especially Nettle tea but also Rosemary tea provide the skin with sufficient fluid. However, with sufficient water intake alone, the skin will not be healthy again. First of all, with dry skin, you should make sure that the diet is not too one-sided. It is also important to have enough Minerals and Vitamins to pay attention. Especially Vitamin A, vitamin E. and Vitamin B12 should be consumed in sufficient quantities. Also Biotin, which is contained in carrots and tomatoes, should be consumed in sufficient quantities so that the skin does not dry out too much. In addition, it is important not to expose the skin to strong sunlight, but still often to go outside in the fresh air and in the sun, as the sun exposure is very important Vitamin D Production and this vitamin also ensures healthy skin. In general, it should be said that a balanced diet is important to improve the complexion. However, a healthy diet is often not enough and you should also use suitable care substances and suitable clothing.

(For more information, also read: Dry Skin Diet).

Prophylaxis / tips for dry skin

In general, one should take care not to expose one's skin to excessive chemical, thermal or mechanical stress and avoid stimulants such as alcohol, caffeinated beverages and tobacco that are harmful to the skin. It is also important for the skin to drink enough and eat a healthy and balanced diet. Regular exercise is also good for our skin, because it then has better blood circulation, and sweat also has a positive effect, as it cleans the skin. For skin care, especially for dry skin, you should make sure to use pH-neutral washing lotions and apply lotion regularly, especially after showering (where the water should ideally be at most lukewarm and you don't spend more time in the water than necessary). If possible, you should avoid rubbing the skin with a glove or a sponge so as not to irritate it further. For the same reason, creams, perfumes and the like should not be used if they contain alcohol.

When choosing your clothing, you should pay attention to a rather loose fit if possible.

Too little humidity contributes very strongly to the development of dry skin. So if you know that you have a tendency to train these, consider adding a humidifier after you've been on the heater for a long time. The humidity should ideally always be between 50 and 70%.

also read: The right skin care for men

Dry skin during pregnancy

A pregnancy can different skin reactions cause (Please refer: Skin changes during pregnancy). Many women benefit from the hormones and the changed fluid balance during pregnancy and have one radiant, smooth complexion. On the other hand, the skin becomes pregnant too more sensitive. The reason for this is not only with the hormones, but also with the Stretching of the skin to search.

Soaps, detergents and washing lotions can suddenly irritate the skin, lead to dry skin or an already existing one Neurodermatitis aggravate. If one can determine the cause of the irritation, it is important to prevent the cause during pregnancy, for example on Change to milder shower gels.

Additionally, the skin should be used during pregnancy especially cared for are through Lotions or moisturizing bath additives and Bath oils.
That bends too Formation of stretch marks in front.

It is important to avoid cracking the dry skin and creating sores. Therefore, some of the dry areas should also be extra Ointments, how Bepanthen, be creamed.

Dry skin in babies

The Skin of a baby is particularly delicate and even more prone to dry skin than in adults. This is also important in treating baby's dry skin adequate hydration. Babies usually report by themselves when they are thirsty and thus demand the fluids they need to compensate for the loss caused by dry skin.
However, it is not enough to give the baby enough water to drink Skin also needs to be cared for, i.e. creamed become. Bathing removes natural fats from the skin, which is why the Bath time for babies as short as possible should be kept.

Soap should not be used much. When using Bath oils Care must be taken to ensure that children do not slip and injure themselves on the slippery tub floor. Otherwise, however, they are ideally suited.

After bathing it is important to the children dry thoroughly and rub with a moisturizer. If the Moisturizer not enough, has to be one fatty cream or special ointment for dry skin be grasped. There too powdered or perfumed care products dry out the skin, should this Not used.

Summary

Dry skin Although it is not a disease, it affects many people in their quality of life because it is rough, cracked and brittle and therefore does not look beautiful and also tense and often itches. The cause can usually not be determined exactly, as many different factors usually come together and ultimately lead to dry skin. These include, on the one hand, the genetic predisposition, weather conditions, incorrect body care / hygiene and also simply the age, on the other hand, the presence of some diseases that primarily have nothing to do with the skin, such as a Diabetes mellitus or inflammatory Gastrointestinal disorders.

You can do a lot yourself to ensure that the skin is no longer so dry (even if it is the result of a genetic predisposition or is the result of another underlying disease) by taking care of appropriate care. You should not shower too long and too warm, then always use moisturizing creams / lotions, as well as irritating factors such as alcohol, nicotineAvoid excessive exposure to the sun or air with low humidity. A healthy lifestyle, i.e. a balanced diet and sufficient exercise, also keep the skin healthy. A doctor should only be consulted in very severe cases or if another causative illness is suspected.