Itchy, Dry Skin

Symptoms of Itchy, Dry Skin

Itchy, dry skin varies in degree, but can be rough, scaly, cracking, red or inflamed.

Causes of Itchy, Dry Skin

• Itchy, dry skin can be caused by low humidity, which is why it is so common in the winter months.
• Some people also have a genetic, or hereditary, tendency to develop itchy, dry skin.
• As you get older, it is common to have more trouble with itchy, dry skin due to the natural changes that occur with age.

>>Treatment & prevention of itchy, dry skin

Need Assistance?

Treatment & prevention of Itchy, dry skin

• Not too hot

  Take lukewarm showers and baths. Hot water can actually dry out your skin.

• Nice and short

  Limit showers to 5-10 minutes. Overexposure to water on your skin can also cause dryness.

• Be gentle

  use gentle moisturizing body washes or hand soaps.

• Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize

  Apply a moisturizer right after drying off from a shower or after you’ve washed your hands.

• Hydrocortisone relieves

  For very itchy, dry patches of skin, doctors may recommend a hydrocortisone product. For a safe and effective way to relieve itching and reduce redness fast, try CORTAID^® Intensive Therapy Anti-Itch Lotion or CORTAID^® Intensive Therapy Moisturizing Cream.

Talk to your physician

• If symptoms persist beyond 7 days use of CORTAID^® hydrocortisone products, or if your itchy, dry skin is a chronic problem, you should consult your physician.

>>Resources

Need Assistance?

You can learn more about itchy, dry skin from the following online articles:

WebMD^® - Itchy, Dry Skin and Itching

A comprehensive guide to itchy, dry skin-includes causes, symptoms and treatments.

American Academy of Dermatology^® – How Dry I Am

A quick look at relieving your itchy, dry skin.

American Academy of Dermatology^® - Find a Dermatologist

Find a doctor near you.

Need Assistance?