How do I know if I have dry skin?

Having a dry skin, even if it is not a serious medical problem, should not be taken lightly. The condition is easily recognizable by others and very uncomfortable for the person. And it is really unpleasant to look at.

It is a condition where the skin loses its natural protection—moisture. The sebaceous glands secrete little oil and this limits the amount of moisture that the skin can hold.

If the skin is dry, the person may feel discomfort in moving. The skin may feel tight, especially after taking a bath or dipping in water.

Because the skin is dry, it will lack suppleness. A healthy skin, after pinching, will quickly return to its previous state. Dryness makes it lose flexibility. Lines around the mouth and at the forehead form easily on dry skin. This makes the person look older than he/she really is.

Other than the face and neck, usually affected parts are the arms, thighs and the lower legs. The skin looks thin and flaky. It is also prone to scaling. Cracks are visible especially on folded skin and junctions (edges of the nose, joints in the legs and arms etc.).

Because of dehydration, the skin looks unhealthy and rough. This may lead to regular itching. Since moisture helps hold the skin together, dryness will cause frequent scaling, flaking and peeling.

In severe cases, the peeling may result in bleeding. Some skin fissures and cracks may also bleed because of thinning. These increase the risks of skin infection.

Dry skin is common, especially during the cold months. Humidity is low and the air pulls out moisture from the skin. Severe skin dehydration can be prevented by increasing water intake. One can also use moisturizers to avoid scaling and peeling.

In bathing, it is best to use only warm water, and not hot water. Also, take care in handling the skin. When drying, pat it with the towel instead of rubbing it.