Ultra Dry Skin? When to Call the Doctor

Most of the time, dry skin is just dry skin.  You can resolve it on your own with normal dry skin treatments, like over-the-counter moisturizers and changes to your behavior.

But some cases of dry skin really should be seen by a doctor.  These might be cases that don't respond to normal dry skin treatment or that are especially severe.  They might also be the result of an underlying health problem.  But how can you tell when your dry, itchy skin is a sign that you should schedule a visit with an expert? Here are some answers.

What Causes Dry Skin?

Your skin is naturally protected by oils that keep it moist and soft.  Most cases of dry skin are caused by external factors that physically strip away this protective barrier.  They include:

• Harsh soaps
• Long, hot baths and showers
• Swimming
• Abrasive, itchy clothing
• Cold, windy weather
• Dry heat, either natural or from indoor heating

Dry skin may also be caused by bodily changes, medical conditions, or treatments.  These include:

• Increasing age -- 75% of people over 64 have dry skin
• Hormonal changes
• Hypothyroidism
• Diabetes
• Malnutrition, which might result from an eating disorder
• Side effects from treatments for other conditions, like acne, rosacea, and allergies
• Family history of dry skin
• Other diseases

While some serious diseases can cause dry skin, don't be alarmed.  Most people who have dry skin are perfectly healthy. 

But even normal dry skin shouldn't be ignored, since it can lead to further problems. Untreated dry skin can result in dermatitis, which causes swelling and redness. If the skin becomes severely cracked, it can also become infected, and that requires more extensive treatment.

Do I Need Expert Dry Skin Treatment?

So how do you know if you need to see a doctor for dry skin treatment? Experts have a rule of thumb.  Try at-home dry skin treatments -- like using moisturizers, humidifiers, and milder soap -- for two weeks.  If they haven't helped, it's time to schedule an appointment.

You should also see an expert for dry skin treatment if you have any of the following specific symptoms:

• Sudden onset of dry skin
• Sudden onset of itchiness
• Severe dry skin that's cracking, swollen, red, bleeding, or oozing
• The development of dry skin when you have other medical conditions like poor blood circulation or diabetes
• Dry skin that seems to have developed since you started a new medication

Doctors can be an enormous help in refining your dry skin therapy.  They can go over what might be causing your dry skin and rule out any more serious causes.  They can give you a new dry skin care regimen.  They may also need to prescribe or recommend medicines for dry skin treatment, at least until your skin is healthier.  These could include:

• Antihistamines, to reduce itching
• Topical creams, like cortisone, to reduce swelling
• Creams or medicines to suppress the response of the immune system, which may be causing irritation
• Other treatments to control the underlying medical condition causing your dry skin

Remember that ignoring dry skin can have consequences.  That's true for everyone, but especially for people who already have chronic health conditions like diabetes.  Over time, dry skin can become worse and harder to treat. 

So if you have any concerns about your dry skin, schedule an appointment with your doctor or a dermatologist.  It's the only way to be sure you're getting the best dry skin treatment possible.