Don't regret, take care of the dry skin

In the everlasting quest for smooth skin we see on commercials and bill board ads, we slather so many creams to heal dry skin. We do so without understanding the reason why an innocent looking dry skin may not be all that innocent after all.

Dry skin or Xerosis is a common skin disorder, some are born with it while some acquire it later on in life. The most commonly encountered reasons are

• Environmental causes- drying conditions like over exposure to AC's, onset of winter.

• Exposure to sunlight. 

• Prolonged hot water bathing.

• Dehydration.

Dryness of skin can be improved with increasing water intake, decreasing exposure to sun, avoiding prolonged hot water baths, application of the correct moisturizers which can be retained in the skin for longer periods, says Dr Tina Ramachander.

Some skin diseases look like dry skin but can be reflective of underlying diseases and this is where proper diagnoses and treatment is crucial. Among them include:

• Atopic dermatitis , Eczema , nutritional deficiencies, vitamin A deficiency being the most common.

• Hormonal imbalances with a special mention of thyroid issues can be one of the first signs of a hypothyroid status.

• Liver dysfunction 

• Malignancies- sudden occurrence of dry fish scales like skin on lower legs can be an indication of internal malignancies.

• Diabetes.

The sudden onset of excessive dryness and itching not responding to therapy can be an important recognizing tool for diagnosis of skin diseases. And such instances should ring a bell to seek treatment with a qualified doctor for the same, says Dr.Tina.

For Skin/Hair related health queries, please write to northbangalorepost@gmail.com.We will have the same answered through Dr.Tina Ramachander.