Dry Skin — Acme Corp Wellness

Signs & Symptoms

Itchy skin. The skin can be red from scratching it.
Chapped skin.
Skin cracks, peels, and/or flakes.
Rough, loose texture

Causes

Aging. The body naturally produces less oil and moisture.
Cold winter weather. Dry air or heat.
Washing the skin often. Using harsh skin products.
Chronic and excessive sun exposure.
Allergies
Smoking
Diabetes, thyroid disease, or kidney disease
Other skin conditions, such as psoriasis

Treatment

Dry skin can lead to health problems if the skin cracks, becoming a potential portal for infection. This is especially risky for people with diabetes. If it is a symptom of a health problem, treating the problem treats the dry skin.

Triage Questions

Question 1

With dry skin, do you have any of these problems?

Tight, shiny, or hardened skin
Deep cracks on the hands or feet or a scaly patch that has not healed in 4 weeks
Itchy skin areas that are raised, have red borders, and are covered with large white or silver-white scales
Signs of hypothyroidism
Diabetes

Self-Care / Prevention

Drink 8 or more glasses of water a day.
Apply a moisturizer daily and after washing your hands.
Wear rubber gloves when you wash dishes.
Take showers instead of baths. Use warm (not hot) water.
Apply a moisturizing cream while your skin is damp. Use products with lanolin, ceramides, or hyaluronic acid.
If you do bathe, do so for only 15 to 20 minutes in lukewarm water. Pat yourself dry. Do not rub.
Shave at the end of your bath or shower.
Wash your skin with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser.
Avoid moisturizers with fragrances, preservatives, or alcohol.
Use a nighttime moisturizer for the face.
Stay out of the strong sun. Do not use tanning salons or sun lamps. When in the sun, use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more.
Don’t scratch or rub dry skin.
Use a humidifier in your home to add moisture to indoor air.