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Lichen simplex chronicus on the ankle
Lichen simplex chronicus on the ankle

Skin - dry
Definition:
This symptom is a skin irritation caused by lack of moisture in the skin.

Alternative Names:
Dry skin; Asteatosis; Winter itch

Considerations:
To help prevent dry skin, maintain moisture in the body and skin, especially during the winter.

Symptoms often associated with dry skin include:
  • Skin feels dry, may have scales
  • Itching (pruritus)
  • 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. Too frequent bathing, especially with harsh soaps, may contribute further to dry skin.
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. Thick, greasy moisturizers work best. 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 health care provider if:
If dry skin is present and persists despite treatment, or if new symptoms develop, call your health care provider.
What to expect at your health care provider's office:
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?
    • What are your bathing habits?
  • 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 your medical history and the appearance of the skin.
Review Date: 10/28/2001
Reviewed By: Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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