Dry skin is not a hopeless condition: Let me show you why.

Known in the dermatology field as "xeroderma", this unplesant condition is quite common.

Dry skin is nearly always itchy. Dry skin may be caused by certain medical conditions and medications, but I will not discuss those here or anywhere else on this site.

In this page I will provide you with information about uncomplicated dry, itchy skin, and with ways aimed at alleviating the symptoms.

Why do many people suffer from this condition?

There is no single reason, although family history seems to play a significant role.

Older people are particularly susceptible to dry skin (approximately 85% of the older population suffers from it). Symptoms tend to be more severe during the Winter months.

This increased severity isn't simply due to overheated, dry indoor air. Unfortunately it's also due to the natural process of aging.

You see, as we grow older, our skin becomes thinner because the area between dermis and epidermis flattens out, bringing the two layers together.

Older skin bruises more easily because the blood vessels walls also grow thinner. Additionally, we lose that handy pad of fat that sits just below the skin. Decreased levels of collagen and elastin contribute to loss of elasticity... here comes the sagging!

A bit depressing, isn't it?

And let's not forget the cumulative effects of tanning and exposure to UV light. When we're young, we hardly ever think about growing old and feeble. We hear about protecting our hearing by turning down the volume or using ear plugs at rock concerts.

We hear about avoiding tanning salons, about applying sun blockers, etc. etc., and what do we do? We continue on our merry ways and pay no attention. Yes,.... we fry the skin in our twenties, and pay the consequences in our sixties - or even well before.

Dry skin usually affects the lower legs, especially the shin. Other common areas include the abdomen, and the hands.

The condition can be quite uncomfortable.

But besides feeling uncomfortable, untreated dry skin may even progress to certain forms of dermatitis and eczema.

So what can you do about it?

To begin with, avoid excessively hot showers. Better yet, avoid showers and opt for the bath - at least until the condition improves. The "beating" of hot water over your skin robs it of its protective natural oils.

When you step out of the tub (ok, the shower, if you must!), pat your skin dry and apply a very good moisturizer. Avoid petroleum jelly. It DOES clog pores.... And don't forget to use a humidifier, especially during the Winter months.

In addition, get some exercise (it helps bring vital oxygenation to your cells), and drink plenty of fluids. Get adequate sleep and keep stress at bay.

At this point you may wish to review the other pages about diet and its relationship to skin health. Review the pages about stress and sleep, also.

All pretty much connected, right? (Holism, again!)

If you have any questions, please do not think twice about contacting me.

Dry skin, itchy skin. Healthy skin.