Dry Skin Symptoms
Symptom Checker: Symptoms & Signs Index
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Dry skin, medically known as xerosis or xeroderma, is usually a mild condition caused by environmental factors, although dry skin can also result from some common skin ailments. Inherited diseases of the skin known as ichthyoses, while very rare, can also cause disfiguration and excessively dry skin. Even systemic conditions (conditions that affect the entire body) can lead to dry skin. One example is hypothyroidism, which reduces the activity of the glands that produce skin secretions. Some medications, including retinoids for the skin as well as some antihistamines and diuretics, may have dry skin as a side effect.
Dry skin can be associated with symptoms, including flaking, itching, dullness, redness, pain, and tightness of skin.
Dry skin is treated with hydrating creams and lotions. If a skin inflammatory condition is associated with dry skin, treatment is directed at the underlying condition.
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REFERENCE:
Fauci, Anthony S., et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Professional, 2008.
Main Article on Dry Skin
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Dry Skin Dry skin (xeroderma) may be caused by external factors, like cold temperatures, low humidity, harsh soaps, and certain...learn more »
Causes of Dry Skin
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Atopic Dermatitis Eczema is a general term for many types dermatitis (skin inflammation). Atopic dermatitis is the most common of the many types of...learn more »In This ArticleAtopic Dermatitis Article- Atopic dermatitis facts
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- What is the difference between atopic dermatitis and eczema?
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- What are the stages of atopic dermatitis?
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Dandruff (Seborrhea) Dandruff (seborrhea) is a skin disorder that results from neither too much moisture nor too much oil. Dandruff can be treated...learn more »In This ArticleDandruff (Seborrhea) Article- What is dandruff (seborrhea)?
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- Dandruff (Seborrhea) At A Glance
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Dehydration Dehydration is the excessive loss of body water. There are a number of causes of dehydration including heat exposure, prolonged...learn more »In This ArticleDehydration Article- Dehydration facts
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- Dehydration pictures
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Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2) Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. The two types of diabetes...learn more »In This ArticleDiabetes (Type 1 and Type 2) Article- Diabetes facts
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Eczema Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a general term for many types of skin inflammation. The most common form of eczema is atopic...learn more »In This ArticleEczema Article- Eczema facts
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Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism is any state in which thyroid hormone production is below normal. Normally, the rate of thyroid hormone...learn more »In This ArticleHypothyroidism Article- What is hypothyroidism?
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- Hypothyroidism At A Glance
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Keratosis Pilaris Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a common skin disorder in which small white or red bumps appear around hair follicles on the upper...learn more »In This ArticleKeratosis Pilaris Article- Keratosis pilaris facts
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- Keratosis pilaris "do's"
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Psoriasis Psoriasis is a long-term skin condition that may cause large plaques of red, raised skin, flakes of dry skin, and skin scales....learn more »In This ArticlePsoriasis Article- Psoriasis facts
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Rash The word "rash" means an outbreak of red bumps on the body. The way people use this term, "a rash" can refer to many different...learn more »In This ArticleRash Article- Rashes facts
- What are noninfectious, common rashes localized to a particular anatomical area?
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- Scaly patches of skin produced by fungal or bacterial infection
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Sunburn (Sun Poisoning) Sunburn is caused by overexposure to UV radiation from the sun. UV rays can also damage the eyes. Repeated overexposure to UV...learn more »In This ArticleSunburn (Sun Poisoning) Article- Sunburn facts
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Thyroid Cancer There are four major types of thyroid cancer: papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic thyroid cancer. Tumors on the...learn more »In This ArticleThyroid Cancer Article- Thyroid cancer facts*
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- Thyroid cancer symptoms*
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- Surgery
- Thyroid hormone treatment
- Radioactive iodine therapy
- External radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Second opinion
- Follow-up care
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Other Causes of Dry Skin
- Aging
- Bathing in Hot Water
- Contact Dermatitis
- Frequent Bathing
- Harsh Scrubbing of Skin
- Harsh Soaps and Personal Hygiene Products
- Heavily Chlorinated Pools and Hot Tubs
- Ichthyosis Vulgaris
- Low Humidity
- Malnutrition
- Medication Side Effects
- Neurodermatitis (Lichen Simplex Chronicus)
- Vitamin A Deficiency
- Weather and Seasonal Factors (Skin Is Typically Driest in Wintry Conditions)
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