The Connection Between Dry Skin and Itching

Dry Skin and Itching

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Having dry and itchy skin? Dry skin and itching often go hand in hand and dealing with it can be irritating. It itches, you feel the urge to scratch, you scratch it, it becomes more itchy and the cycle goes on and on. 

The reason you can’t stop scratching the dry skin is because your skin is irritated and you need to do something about it. Don’t worry. In this blog, we will help you understand the reasons behind this dry, itchy skin and the best ways to get back your itch-free, smooth skin. 

What is Dry Skin?

In medical terms, dry skin is known as Xeroderma or Xerosis. When your skin dries out due to the lack of moisture in it, it is referred to as dry skin. Dry skin is rough, rugged, flaky, and scaly. In severe cases, the skin may crack and bleed. 

In simpler words, dry skin is like your skin experiencing drought. It needs moisture and hydration to become smooth and soft again. 

Itchy Skin

Itchy skin is medically known as pruritus. When an irritating sensation develops in your skin that makes you want to scratch it, it is called itchy skin. Itchy skin can be caused by several reasons but the most common is dry skin. Itchy skin may sometimes look no different than usual but at times, mainly due to the scratching it may become red, rough, and inflamed. 

What Causes Dry Skin?

There are various reasons why you might be experiencing dry skin. We have listed some of the most common causes.

Eczema

Eczema also known as atopic dermatitis is a common skin condition that causes the skin to become dry, itchy, and inflamed. It usually appears on the inside and outside of the elbows, knees, ankles, wrists, and neck. Even though the exact cause for it is still unknown. It is believed to be caused by skin barrier dysfunction which is developed by a combination of factors such as genetics, stress, and allergens. Eczema on the hands can make the skin crack and become tight making it difficult to do everyday tasks. The dryness caused by eczema can be managed with the help of eczema cream.

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is when the skin comes in contact with a certain allergen or irritant such as nickel, poison ivy, and chemicals in products. This triggers the immune system which in reaction can cause the skin to become red, dry, and inflamed and may also cause blisters.  Dry skin caused by contact dermatitis can be managed by keeping the skin moisturized and staying away from the allergen.

Harsh Chemicals

The harsh chemicals in skin care products and hygiene products can strip away the natural oils from the skin causing it to become dry, rough, and cracky. Irritant contact dermatitis is the medical term given to this condition. When the skin becomes irritated due to any substance such as chemicals in the soap, detergents, and shaving cream. 

Genetics

Sometimes genetics can be the reason behind your dry skin. When the genes contain certain types of characteristics they may cause the skin to become prone to dryness. People with a family history of eczema and allergies are more likely to experience dry skin. 

Extreme Weather

Some people experience seasonal dryness. Which means their skin becomes dry due to the change in weather. If the temperature is too hot or becomes too cold it can cause the skin to become dry. Dry skin in winter is more common. A large number of people experience dryness in winter.  

Aging

Aging is another factor that can cause the skin to become dry. As we grow older the skin’s ability to retain moisture becomes weak. Which makes it prone to dryness. It is essential to maintain a regular skin moisturizing routine in order to prevent the skin from getting dry.

Medical Conditions

There are certain medical conditions that can cause the skin to become dry. These include psoriasis, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and HIV. To combat dry skin from these medical conditions it is important to first manage the disease itself. Regular moisturizing can help the dryness from getting worse.

Symptoms

If you are experiencing dry skin you may notice the following symptoms on the skin:

  • Flaking and scaling of skin
  • Redness
  • Tightening of skin
  • Roughness 
  • Cracked and peeling skin
  • Itching

The Relation between Dry Skin and Itching

Dry skin and itching are often associated with each other. But why is that? When you are experiencing dry skin, your skin lacks the adequate amount of moisture needed to keep it smooth. This damages the skin’s protective layer making it more prone to allergens and irritants. The skin becomes sensitive, due to which even the slightest irritation can cause itching. 

Once your skin becomes itchy you want to scratch it. This creates a never-ending vicious cycle of scratching. The scratching can exacerbate the condition and can lead to skin infections, which is why it is essential to break this cycle. It can only be done by controlling the itch and hydrating the dry skin at the same time. 

Treating Dry Skin and Itch

The treatment of dry skin depends upon the underlying cause of it. But it can easily be managed by following a few simple steps. 

Moisturizing is the Key

Whether you have dry skin or not, moisturizing is essential for every skin. For people who are experiencing dry skin, moisturizing should be added to their daily skincare routine. The skin should be moisturized at least twice daily. 

The best time to moisturize the skin is after taking a bath. The skin absorbs more moisture from the cream or lotion at that time. Every time you wash your hands remember to moisturize to avoid tightening and cracking of skin on your hands due to dryness.

A moisturizing cream that is fast absorbing, non-greasy, and free from harsh chemicals, fragrances, and dyes like Happy Cappy Moisturizing Cream is most suitable for dry and sensitive skin. 

Bath Time Care

Bathing too often can cause your skin to become dry by stripping away natural oils from the skin. To avoid exacerbating your dry skin make sure to 

  • Use a mild cleanser and body wash with less harsh chemicals to take a bath.
  • limit the bath time to not more than 10 minutes. 
  • When you are taking a bath avoid using hot water, instead use cool or lukewarm water. 
  • Don’t take a bath and shower more than once a day. 
  • Pat dry your skin rather than rubbing it with a towel.
  • Moisturize your skin right away after taking a bath.
  • Consider oatmeal baths to alleviate the itching. 

Skipping the Harsh Chemicals

Scented bath soaps and body washes may make you smell great. But in reality, the harsh chemicals in those products can strip away moisture from your skin making it dry and rough. Use a mild gentle cleanser instead, which is formulated for dry, sensitive skin. These body washes don’t make your skin dry; instead, they work on locking moisture in your skin and making it smooth again. 

Happy Cappy Daily Shampoo and Body Wash is a pediatrician-formulated daily shampoo, face wash, and body wash. It is free of skin irritants like fragrance, dye, alcohol, sulfates, and parabens. It helps in soothing dry, itchy sensitive skin.

If the dryness does not improve with these remedies or becomes worse, then it is best to consult a doctor. They will be able to narrow down the cause of dryness and provide you with a treatment plan according to severity. It may also include the use of topical steroids, or an oral medication. 

Best Moisturizer For Itching and Dry Skin

If you are searching for the best moisturizer for dry skin then you are at the right place. A paraben-free, fragrance-free, sulfate-free, and dye-free moisturizer is a great option. Moisturizer like Dr. Eddie’s Happy Cappy Moisturizing Cream, not only moisturizes the skin but also helps in restoring the delicate skin barrier and protect it against irritants. 

It contains natural ingredients like Licorice Root Extract and glycerin to soothe irritation and itching. It is a quick-absorbing, non-greasy moisturizer that will keep your skin hydrated throughout the day.

Conclusion

Dry skin and itching are common skin issues that almost all of us have faced in our lives. Dry skin can be easily managed by following a proper skincare routine. But if dry skin is caused by any underlying disease it is best to consult a doctor as they will be able to provide the most effective treatment plan. 

Shop Happy Cappy products that are specially formulated for dry, sensitive skin and get your healthy smooth skin back.

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Dr. Eddie Valenzuela
Dr. Eddie Valenzuela is an award winning pediatrician and the founder and CEO of Pediatric Solutions, LLC.

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How is dry skin diagnosed?

Dry skin can be diagnosed by its appearance. But to determine the underlying cause of the dryness, the dermatologist may prescribe an allergy test or a blood test.

How to stop dry skin from itching?

The key to minimizing itch if you have dry skin is moisturizing. Moisturizing at least twice daily is compulsory. Other than that you can try taking an oatmeal bath and cold compress to alleviate the itching. But if it still persists it's best to consult a doctor who may prescribe topical medications to relieve the itch.

Which weather conditions can cause dry skin?

Extreme weather conditions especially in winter when the temperature falls, and the moisture in the air decreases can lead to dry skin.

What are the three common symptoms of eczema?

The three most common symptoms of eczema that almost everyone experiences are
1. Dry skin
2. Itching
3. Rashes.

Why are my legs itching?

Itchy skin on the legs is usually due to dry skin. Which can easily be managed by regularly moisturizing them. However, there are some medical conditions such as diabetes, eczema, nerve damage, stasis dermatitis and that may be causing your legs to itch.

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