Dry Skin

Dry skin is a common condition. Since your skin is your body’s natural protective barrier against disease and infection, maintaining strong, hydrated skin is important to your general well being. In addition, dry skin is often flaky, red, wrinkled, or scaly, which can affect your appearance. Dr. Richard Ecker can diagnose the cause of this condition and provide a treatment and management plan for greater confidence and comfort. Contact our office today to learn more about dry skin and schedule a consultation with Dr. Ecker.

Dry Skin Symptoms

Flaking or peeling
A scaly or rough feeling
Tight or stretched feeling after you wash your hands, bathe, or swim
Raised or inflamed skin
Bleeding from cracking
Thin lines or wrinkles
Chafing or chapping on and around your lips
Frequent skin infections
Itchiness

Though you may think that dry skin is normal, it is important to seek treatment if persistent symptoms are interfering with your health, work, or ability to sleep. Dry skin is especially problematic if it begins to itch or visibly affects your appearance. Severe dry skin can also produce fragile skin which leads to cracking and low grade infections in the skin.

Potential Causes: Dry skin is both a condition and a symptom of other skin disorders. You dry skin could be caused by:

Aging – Your skin cells can weaken and become dehydrated over time.
Weather – If you live in the desert or an area with particularly harsh winters, this can affect your skin.
Your Occupation – If you have to wash your hands frequently or work outside in harsh weather, your skin will often show the effects.
Frequent Swimming – If you swim in pools frequently, this may be the reason for your dry skin, as the chemicals used to sanitize pools can dehydrate your skin.
Household Products – Harsh detergents or perfumes could be irritating your skin.
Psoriasis – If you have red, raised, itchy patches, this may be because your body is overproducing cells due to a condition called psoriasis. Dr. Ecker can advise you on this.
Eczema – Dry skin is one of the most common eczema symptoms, which can occur due to an overactive immune system. This is condition is often confused with dry skin.

Dr. Ecker will assess your skin and review your medical records to determine the cause of your condition. Through this process, he can more accurately and efficiently treat your dry skin, as well as the underlying root cause.

Treatment Options: The key to reversing dry skin is hydration. Dr. Ecker often prescribes topical lotions and creams that attract moisture, lock in skin moisture, and help your skin heal. These treatments may include prescription medications to diminish itching or fight infection. We also recommend that you change your daily skin care habits to combat dry skin. Patients with dry skin should use a gentle skin cleanser rather than harsh soaps. Dr. Ecker may also recommend making lifestyle changes such as taking shorter showers, wearing gloves, using a humidifier in your home, or drinking more water. He will further discuss your treatment options at your consultation.

Dr. Ecker and our team can help you find an effective skin regimen and improve your skin's health, comfort, and beauty.

To learn more about how to manage your dry skin and schedule a consultation, contact our office today.

Dry Skin

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