Sunday, January 1, 2012

Causes & Solution to Extremely Dry Skin


If you have extremely dry skin, your first response is likely to scratch. Scratching is a natural human function and can be a great relief in many situations. If you have dry skin that has been scratched or irritated previously, re-scratching the area could easily lead to skin breakdown. No matter what the cause, scratching your skin can lead to further skin complications.

Symptoms

Itchy, irritated skin or pruritus is often a symptom of an underlying problem, but there are other things that you may have in addition to a dreaded itch. Inflammation may be present. Inflammation of the skin occurs when your body responds to injury, pain or itch. Your immune system is trying to protect you from an outside attack, explains womentowomen.com. If you have been itching and irritating your skin, inflammation may occur, leading to redness in the area and skin that may be raised slightly and hot to the touch. If you have dry skin, it may also be shedding or flaking off. As your skin flakes off, new, sensitive skin may appear underneath. If your skin is breaking down due to extremely itchy skin, cracks may appear, leading to bleeding.

Causes

There are several causes to extremely dry skin. When itching is present, it could be an indication of an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions could be due to a number of things including an allergic reaction to a substance or contact of a particular substance. Psoriasis is a skin condition that leaves behind extremely dry-looking skin. The flaky patches of skin can cause extreme itching, inflammation and scaly patches. Eczema is similar to psoriasis in that it also causes itching and dry, scaly rashes. Seasonal changes in the weather can also cause extremely dry and irritated skin. Skin can easily become chapped in dry conditions, causing itching initially and eventually skin tears and breakdown.

Solution

Skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis need to be treated according to your doctor’s professional recommendations. Antihistamines, immunomodulators and steroids are often helpful treatments for minor cases of eczema. Psoriasis may be treated with retinoids and phototherapy, in which the skin is exposed to ultraviolet light. Hydrocortisone treatment may help relieve the itch long enough for the dry skin area to heal completely, notes MayoClinic.com. Keeping the skin moisturized along with a cool, soothing oatmeal bath may also help with recovery.

Precautions

Persistent itching of extremely dry skin can easily lead to bacterial infection. A bacterial infection occurs when bacteria enters the bloodstream through a small space in dry, cracked skin. Bacterial infections are most often caused by staph infections or most commonly -- methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus or MRSA. Symptoms of MRSA can be severe and include redness, swelling and painful areas of skin that may have drainage, states the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. MRSA is often resistant to antibiotic medications and can be difficult to treat. Seek the medical advice of your doctor for treatment or to rule out a MRSA infection.

 
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