Dry skin, or xeroderma, happens when the skin loses its natural moisture. This condition can be influenced by external factors such as weather or living in a particularly dry environment, making the skin feel rough, scaly, and prone to peeling.
Beyond environmental causes, various health conditions can contribute to dry skin. In such cases, managing dry skin may be more challenging and often requires special treatments to restore moisture.
Health Conditions That Can Lead to Dry Skin
Atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis, often called eczema, is a chronic condition that can cause dry skin. It is typically accompanied by inflammation, redness, and itching.
Eczema affects the skin’s ability to retain moisture, leading to extreme dryness and heightened sensitivity. These symptoms can appear on different parts of the body, particularly the face, hands, and skin folds.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that triggers an abnormal increase in skin cell production, resulting in a buildup of dead cells on the skin's surface.
In addition to dry skin, psoriasis can manifest with symptoms such as:
- Itching
- A burning sensation or discomfort
- Rashes that vary in color, from purple, gray, pink, brown, and black, often accompanied by silver scales
- Uneven, flaky rashes that resemble dandruff
Managing dry skin in psoriasis requires intensive moisturizing, light therapy, or specific treatments prescribed by a doctor.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland fails to produce sufficient thyroid hormones, which play a key role in various bodily functions, including maintaining healthy skin.
When thyroid hormone levels are low, the body's metabolism slows, which can impair the skin's ability to hold moisture.
In addition to dry skin, hypothyroidism can lead to other symptoms such as dry, coarse hair, weight gain, a slowed heart rate, sensitivity to cold, and high cholesterol levels.
Diabetes
People with diabetes often encounter skin issues, including dryness. Uncontrolled blood sugar can cause dehydration as the body attempts to eliminate excess sugar through urine.
As a result, the skin can become dry and is more prone to injury and infections. Additionally, poor blood circulation in diabetics heightens the risk of skin problems, especially in areas like the feet and heels.
Chronic kidney disease
Chronic kidney disease can lead to various skin-related issues, including very dry, rough skin, itching, skin discoloration, swelling, and changes in nail color. Treating these skin problems typically involves addressing the kidney condition with treatments like dialysis or a kidney transplant.
In most cases, dry skin can be treated with heavy moisturizers. However, if these treatments are not effective, it may be necessary to consult a doctor or dermatologist, as underlying health conditions might be responsible for the dry skin.
You can also access health consultation services via the Ai Care app, available on the App Store or Play Store.
Curious to learn more about other conditions? Click here!
- dr Hanifa Rahma
Laura Schober (2024). 6 Reasons Your Skin Is Dry. Available from: https://www.health.com/why-is-my-skin-so-dry-8603582
Cleveland Clinic (2022). Dry Skin. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16940-dry-skin
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (2022). Atopic Dermatitis. Available from: https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/atopic-dermatitis
Mayo Clinic (2024). Psoriasis. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355840
Cleveland Clinic (2020). Hypothyroidism. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12120-hypothyroidism
Paula Ludmann, MS (2024). 10 Warning Signs That Can Appear on Your Skin. Available from: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/diabetes-warning-signs
American Academy of Dermatology Association. Kidney Disease: 11 Ways It Can Affect Your Skin. Available from: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/kidney-disease-warning-signs
