Some conditions that lead to dry skin include allergies, eczema, diabetes and kidney disease.
People with skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis (eczema) or psoriasis are more likely to have dry skin. Medical treatments. Some people develop dry, thick skin after undergoing treatment for cancer, receiving dialysis or taking certain medications.
Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease that makes your glands produce less moisture than they should. It causes chronic (long-term) dryness throughout your body (especially your eyes and mouth). Sjögren's syndrome is pronounced “SHOW-gren's syndrome.”
Vitamin or mineral deficiency: Skin requires nutrients to keep it healthy. If you're not getting enough vitamin D, vitamin A, niacin, zinc, or iron, you can develop excessively dry skin. Smoking: Cigarettes contain harmful chemicals that speed up how quickly your skin ages, so skin becomes drier.
Xerosis refers to abnormally dry skin or membranes, such as those found in the mouth or the conjunctiva of the eye. This picture shows a close-up of xerotic skin. Note the dry and scaly appearance.
Some conditions that lead to dry skin include allergies, eczema, diabetes and kidney disease. Occupations: Certain professions can lead to dry skin, especially if you work outdoors, with chemicals or wash your hands frequently.
You're deficient in certain nutrients
Stubborn dryness may occur if your body is low in vitamin A, vitamin D, iron, niacin or zinc, all of which are a must for healthy skin. Talk to your doctor about whether you might be deficient in one of these nutrients, and if you are, whether or not to take supplements.
The symptoms associated with low estrogen in your reproductive years overlap with common symptoms associated with menopause and postmenopause. Your symptoms will depend on what's causing your low estrogen levels. Signs of low estrogen include: Dry skin.
The deficiency of vitamin B12 can cause specific skin manifestations, such as hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis, and hair and nail changes [1].
Dry skin that cracks and itches is common with Sjögren's. The lips are also frequently affected. In some people, Sjögren's is associated with skin rashes. These first appear most often as areas of dark blotches on the legs and feet that grow together.
Dry and itchy skin can be a sign of the mineral and bone disease that often accompanies advanced kidney disease, or when the kidneys are no longer able to keep the right balance of minerals and nutrients in your blood. Learn more about itchy skin and kidney disease.
Sjögren syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disorder. It causes your white blood cells to fight the glands that produce your body's moisture. It affects more women than men.
Dry skin occurs when skin doesn't retain sufficient moisture. This can happen as a result of frequent bathing, use of harsh soaps, aging, or certain medical conditions. And for those in colder climates, it can stem from cold, dry winter air.
If vitamin B12 deficiency is left untreated, it can cause lasting side effects that affect the nervous system and brain. More severe side effects of vitamin B12 deficiency include: Peripheral neuropathy. Degeneration of the spinal cord.
Having a specific vitamin deficiency can cause dry skin. For example, if you are deficient in zinc, iron, niacin, vitamin D, or vitamin A, your skin may get dry.
Hypothyroidism. The thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone, leading to fatigue, constipation, dry skin, and depression. The underactive gland can cause slowed development in children. Some types of hypothyroidism are present at birth.
Estrogen Deficient Skin can experience up to a 1.1% decline in skin thickness each year after menopause. Changes to skin around the eyes. Under-eye creping and wrinkles are attributable to estrogen deficiency, along with puffiness, fine lines, and dark circles.
Red Wine and the Risk of Breast Cancer
Doctors determined long ago that alcohol increases the body's estrogen levels, fostering the growth of cancer cells.
You're over-cleansing, or using the wrong cleanser.
If you are cleansing too often, that can lead to dry skin no matter how much moisturizer you slather on. For instance, if you're washing your face in the morning and at night, try only doing it once a day and just rinsing it with water the other time.
Certain medications like blood pressure drugs, cholesterol medications, acne treatments, wrinkle creams, and antihistamines can severely dry out the skin, especially in older adults. Diuretics, statins, antihistamines, and acne medications such as Accutane and Retin-A are examples of drugs that cause dry skin.
Pure petroleum jelly is very gentle on skin, making it perfect to soothe dry skin on all areas of the body and keep it hydrated at the same time. Choosing a good moisturizing lotion containing micro droplets of Vaseline® Jelly will help heal dry skin deep down for fast relief from itchy dryness.