What Can I Do to Treat My Dry, Itchy Skin?
Treatments vary, depending on the cause
Treatments vary, depending on the cause
Dry, itchy skin is no fun. In fact, it’s irritating. You itch. You scratch. The cycle repeats itself. You long for relief.
Most cases are mild and go away — with or without treatment. But if it lasts more than a couple of weeks, should you be concerned? If it’s keeping you up at night, should you get it checked?
The answer is yes.
“It’s always best to check with your doctor if you have concerns. Most causes of dry, itchy skin have specific treatments that your doctor can help you with,” says Reza Jacob, MD, a dermatologist at Scripps Clinic Liberty Station.
Your primary care physician can help you get to the root of the problem and provide you with any necessary treatment to bring you relief. They can refer you to a dermatologist or skin specialist if necessary.
Treatment for dry, itch skin varies. It depends on the cause.
What causes itchy skin?
Dry, itchy skin can result from environmental or lifestyle factors or health issues.
Dry skin occurs when your skin loses water or oil. This can make your skin feel tight and rough, usually in the hands, arms and legs. You might also feel discomfort.
Itching is a common sign of dry skin. However, itching can also mean other skin problems or health issues.
“Itchy skin can result from a wide variety of conditions. It could be due to something as simple as dry skin, which is common. It could be a symptom of a skin disease, such as psoriasis or dermatitis,” Dr. Jacob says. “It could also be the result of an allergic reaction. It could even be a side effect to medication you might be taking.”
What causes dry skin?
Dry air, especially during winter months, can lead to skin dryness. Indoor heating systems can also reduce humidity and dry out your skin. Frequent bathing or showering with hot water or frequent hot tub use also raises the risk of dry skin.
Older adults are more prone to develop dry skin. As we age, our skin gets thinner and drier.
Certain medical conditions, such as dermatitis, can cause dry, itchy skin. These conditions often require specific treatments.
Allergic reactions to some substances can cause dry skin and itching. Common allergens include certain foods, laundry detergents and some fabrics.
How to treat dry skin
Petroleum jelly and moisturizers can both treat dry skin. Each has its own benefits.
Petroleum jelly acts as a barrier to moisture. It forms a protective layer on the skin. This layer keeps moisture in and blocks outside irritants.
Moisturizers come in creams and lotions. They help add moisture back to the skin. Thicker moisturizers are better for dry, itchy skin.
“A moisturizer might be all you need to relieve itching. If a moisturizer does not help enough, you can try an anti-itch cream or ointment,” Dr. Jacob says.
Home remedies can help address dry, itchy, sensitive skin and restore moisture, including:
- Avoid bathing or showering in hot water; use warm water
- Keep bathing or showering to 10 minutes or less
- Use a moisturizing soap
- Apply moisturizer right after bathing or showering
- Pat, don’t rub, wet skin dry with a soft towel
- Avoid scratching dry skin patches
- Use a humidifier at home in your bedroom
What is dermatitis?
In some cases, dry, itchy skin can be a sign of dermatitis, which is treated with medication.
Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of this skin disease. It is often called eczema, which can also mean a group of conditions that cause the skin to become red, inflamed and itchy.
Atopic dermatitis often runs in families with a history of eczema, asthma or hay fever. It usually occurs in infancy or early childhood, but it can also strike adults. Most often it affects the face, neck, hands, feet, inner elbows and back of knees.
Flare ups occur when the immune system overreacts to an allergen or irritant inside or outside the body.
Contact dermatitis is also common. It is marked by a red skin rash. It happens when the skin touches something that irritates it or causes an allergic reaction. The most common types are irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis.
Common triggers for allergic contact dermatitis are metals, such as nickel in costume jewelry, fragrances, rubber or latex ingredients.
Common triggers for irritant contact dermatitis include laundry detergents, soaps, anti-acne creams or anti-aging creams, cleaners and chemicals.
Treatments for dermatitis (eczema)
Treatment for eczema include over-the-counter remedies, prescription topical creams, like corticosteroids, light therapy, immunosuppressants and biologic drugs.
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition. It causes red, scaly and often itchy patches on the skin. It occurs when an overactive immune system targets healthy skin cells. This results in a buildup of lesions.
Plaque psoriasis is the most common type. It shows up as raised, scaly patches on the skin. Triggers include infections, stress, dry weather, certain medications, cuts, scratches and sunburns.
Treatments include topical creams, light therapy and oral and injectable medications, including biologics. You can also try complementary approaches, such as supplements or probiotics.
When dry, itchy skin is a sign of serious illness
Dry, itchy skin is usually treatable and not a sign of a serious illness. “But, if the itch lasts for more than a couple of weeks, pay notice. If it becomes your primary focus or affects a large area of your body, see your doctor,” Dr. Jacob says.
Though much more rare, dry, itchy skin can be a symptom of a more serious illness. It can be a sign of liver or kidney disease, diabetes or a problem with your immune system.
“If the itch is a symptom of something serious, the best approach is to treat that underlying issue,” Dr. Jacob says.