Dry skin • Tips from home remedies to nutrition!

Dry skin lacks moisture and oil. It feels rough and triggers feelings of tension. Allergies, psoriasis and certain professions can be to blame.

The right care can make a big difference even with very dry skin.
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The term dry skin (xerosis, xerodermia, also Xerosis cutis) describes a lack of moisture and fat in the epidermis. That is why dermatologists speak of “dry, low-fat” skin. This is not a disease in its own right, but a skin condition.

The affected areas on the face, hands or other areas of the body appear dull, the skin feels rough and tight. Usually fine lines and scales are also formed. Very dry skin shows redness and is prone to itching and small cracks.

Dry skin requires special care, because an impaired barrier function can promote the development of skin diseases such as infections.

Too much hygiene or allergies can dry out skin

Skin dryness can be triggered by various external and internal factors. Especially in winter, when the cold and heated air stress the skin, it is a problem for many, although the individual skin type always plays a certain role. In addition, skin dryness particularly often affects occupational groups who come into daily contact with water and / or substances that are harmful to the skin, e.g. B. Hairdressers, nurses and craftsmen. However, underlying diseases such as allergies can also trigger dry skin.

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Dry skin: what are the causes?

The skin is our largest organ and protects our body like a coat against harmful environmental influences. It prevents pathogens and harmful substances from getting inside the body and protects against pressure, shocks, cold, heat and dehydration. The outermost layer of skin, the so-called horny layer, together with the hydrolipid film (protective acid mantle) is primarily responsible for this important barrier function.

An increased loss of moisture, decreased sebum production or a disturbed lipid metabolism of the skin can seriously disturb the balance of the skin barrier and lead to the skin drying out.

Triggers and underlying diseases for dry skin

There are many reasons for this phenomenon. For example, an increase in skin dryness is a natural phenomenon of the aging process. However, genetic factors or external influences such as heating air, strong sunlight or incorrect hygiene sometimes play a role.

Dry skin also occurs with certain skin diseases (neurodermatitis, psoriasis) and is then usually accompanied by other complaints such as intense itching, pustules, blisters or weeping areas of the skin. Last but not least, there are also underlying diseases such as diabetes mellitus or certain medications that can cause dry skin.

The most common causes of dry skin

External causes of skin dryness include:

  • Incorrect hygiene due to frequent washing, bathing or showering, unsuitable soaps or shower gels, too frequent skin peelings, etc.
  • low humidity due to heating and air conditioning
  • Weather influences (cold, strong sunlight, wind)
  • Job-specific loads, such as hairdressers, caregivers, certain craft professions

Conditions that can lead to dry skin include:

Other causes of dry skin can include:

  • genetic predisposition
  • age-related dryness of the skin (especially in infants or the elderly)
  • Medicines such as the birth control pill or medicines that are used for heart problems, rheumatism or lipid metabolism disorders

Diagnosis of dry skin

A visit to the doctor is not absolutely necessary if the skin is temporarily dry. However, advice on optimal skin care and cleaning from a pharmacist, beautician or dermatologist can be helpful.

If the symptoms persist despite the use of suitable care products based on skin-friendly ingredients, or if other conspicuous symptoms such as itching or eczema occur, the cause of the dry skin should be clarified by a doctor – preferably a dermatologist.

Doctor must rule out allergy or cancer

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In the first step, the medical history is recorded: The doctor asks about the type and duration of the symptoms and checks whether there are known skin or general diseases. Then he carefully examines the skin for visible and palpable abnormalities. The dermatologist can examine the condition of the skin's barrier function by measuring the moisture content of the skin or the loss of water through the skin.

Allergy tests, laboratory tests, ultrasound examinations and skin biopsies can also be used to establish the diagnosis. If an as yet unknown underlying disease is suspected as a trigger for the dry skin, the dermatologist refers the patient to an appropriate specialist.

Home remedies and other therapies for dry skin

If the skin dryness is not due to a pathological cause, special care and cleaning products based on particularly compatible ingredients (often without fragrances and preservatives) often offer a good way of getting the skin problems under control.

The right care for (very) dry skin on the face and body

Skin care also plays a very central role in terms of prevention. Only lukewarm water and mild washing lotions should be used for washing, showering or bathing. Care products should ensure that the skin is adequately supplied with moisture and oil and reduce moisture loss. These requirements are met with so-called water-in-oil emulsions (W / O emulsions).

Certain fatty acids, which are contained in soy, safflower, wheat germ, avocado oil and shea butter and are used in care products, can improve barrier protection and counteract dehydration.

Skin care products based on St. John's wort have also proven effective for dry, itchy skin. Vitamins A and E are often added to protect them from premature skin aging. Special preparations can also contain urea and hyaluronic acid, which can also have a positive effect on the moisture of the skin.

If the doctor determines that a skin disease or a general disease is responsible for the dry skin, targeted therapy for the underlying disease is the focus of medical treatment. Attention should also be paid to suitable care products in order to avoid further dehydration.

Certain drugs and professions dry out the skin

If a temporal connection between the occurrence of dry skin and the intake of certain medication can be established, discontinuation of the preparation or switching to another medication may bring improvement. Consultation with the attending physician is necessary here.

If the dry skin is triggered by certain external influences (e.g. hair dye in the hairdressing profession), appropriate protection (special protective gloves) and care (hand cream!) Can bring improvement.

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