Skin, dry

• skin feels dry, may have scales
• cracks in the skin
• round patches of irritated skin
• most common on the lower legs, arms, flanks, and thighs

Common Causes:
Dry skin is extremely common, especially in the elderly. It is seen more often in the winter when cold air outside and heated air inside may cause a decrease in humidity. Use of a forced-air furnace increases the risk. The skin loses moisture and may crack and peel or become irritated and inflamed.

There are other causes of dry skin. The list of all possible causes can be extensive and include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the list will vary based on age and gender of the individual as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as location, quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for this symptom occurring alone or in combination with other problems.

Home Care:
Decrease moisture loss by changing bathing habits. Short baths should be taken, with tepid (not hot) water. Minimize the use of soap; limit its use to face, armpits, and genitals if possible. Dry the skin gently. There may be a need to reduce the frequency of bathing.

Increase or maintain skin and body moisture. Bath oils or moisturizers may help, especially if used at least daily. Drink plenty of fluids. Use of a humidifier may help if the air is very dry.

Inflammation may be reduced by over-the-counter or prescribed cortisone creams or other anti-inflammatory creams or lotions.

Call Your Healthcare Provider If:

• dry skin is present and persists despite treatment, or if new symptoms develop.

What to Expect:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting your dry skin in detail may include:

• time pattern
  • When did it develop?
  • Has your skin always been dry?

• location
  • Is all of the skin dry?
  • Is the dryness only in a specific location?

• aggravating factors
  • What makes it seem worse?

• relieving factors
  • What have you done to try to make it better?
  • How well has that worked?

• other
  • What other symptoms are also present?

The physical examination will include special attention to examination of the skin. A diagnosis is made on the basis of appearance of the skin. Other disorders such as ringworm may have a similar appearance and may need to be ruled out.

After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related to dry skin, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.


Lichen simplex chronicus on the ankle: Lichen simplex chronicus is also known as neurodermatitis. A minor itch may encourage scratching which increases the irritation, leading to more scratching. This ultimately results in a rough, scratched (excoriated), thickened skin surface which may develop increased pigmentation (hyperpigmentation) as seen here on the front part of the foot, just below the leg.