Dry skin of the face and body is a very common problem. It manifests itself in redness, roughness and an unpleasant feeling of tightness. Dry skin is easily irritated and is sometimes hypersensitive to cosmetics and even water. It may also appear peeling and itching. Excessively dry skin can also be a symptom of a chronic disease.
What are the causes of dry skin? The immediate causes of excessive dryness of the skin are the reduced ability to bind and retain water in the epidermis and the deficiency of lipids in the stratum corneum. This condition can be caused by various external and internal factors. Very often it is the result of inadequate care, taking medications or excessive exposure to the sun, low temperatures or strong wind. The daily diet and the level of hydration of the body have a huge impact on the level of skin hydration. Some people are also more prone to dry skin due to genetic conditions.
Could dry skin be a sign of illness?
In many cases, dry skin can be more than a skincare problem. It happens that problems with skin hydration are a signal from the body that something is wrong with it. Various somatic and dermatological diseases can manifest themselves in this way.
Dry skin is a symptom of diabetes
The most common skin problems in the course of diabetes are excessive dryness, itching and flaking. The skin of a diabetic is also more prone to wounds, which also heal less. The main reason for the weakened skin condition in a diabetic person is vascular changes (diabetic angiopathy), which can affect both larger and smaller vessels to the same extent. Simply put, it can be said that excess blood sugar leads to degenerative changes in capillaries, arterioles and veins, resulting in impaired vascular system and skin malnutrition.
The progressive atrophy of the sebaceous and sweat glands leads to a weakening of the skin's natural defensive barrier and, as a result, to increasing transepidermal water loss and increasing dryness, often accompanied by nagging itching. Adequate hygiene and care are helpful here, in which emollient preparations, rich in nourishing and moisturizing substances, help. Appropriate emollients also facilitate the reconstruction of the skin weakened by the disease, do not irritate it because they do not have fragrances. It is good if the preparation used also has an anti-itching effect. Regularly used emollients, by restoring the natural protective barrier, effectively protect the skin against bacterial and fungal infections.
If your heels break very painfully and deeply, it's a signal to test for diabetes. One of the complications of this disease is the so-called diabetic foot syndrome. Increased drying of the heel skin turns into cracking, which may lead to the development of a serious infection. To prevent such complications, moisturizing and lubricating care should be used.
Dry skin is a symptom of thyroid disease
Diseases of the thyroid gland consist in the excessive or insufficient production of the hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine. These disorders result in chronic fatigue and weakness, dizziness, weight fluctuations and even problems with conceiving. A symptom of thyroid problems is dry, sallow skin that is prone to peeling. On the thickenings (knees, elbows, feet) it is very dark and dry, which looks unsightly. Such skin requires constant moisturizing and softening.
Body dehydration and dry skin
Dehydration is a very dangerous condition for the body, which results from the loss of water and electrolytes. It can be a consequence of insufficient water consumption, heat or fever. The cause of this condition may also be diarrhea, vomiting, and kidney problems. The first signals informing that there is not enough water in the body will be increased thirst, dry skin of the face and body, chapped lips and dark, tired skin under the eyes.
Dry skin is a symptom of psoriasis
The first signs of psoriasis are red patches of dry, flaky skin on the skin. Initially, they appear in sensitive places such as the feet, knees or elbows, then spread to other parts of the skin. In patients with psoriasis, the process of cell transformation is disturbed and significantly accelerated. New cells mature quickly, and the old ones do not have enough time to exfoliate, which results in the formation of a layer of dead cells on the body in the form of clumps covered with scales. Psoriasis requires pharmacological treatment, but to soothe irritated skin, thick and greasy moisturizers are used, which retain water in the skin.
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Dry skin is a symptom of atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis (AD), formerly called scabies, is a chronic, autoimmune skin disease characterized by severe dry skin and persistent itching. The symptoms worsen as a result of increased exposure to allergens, contact with detergents, and even as a result of stress appearing in the patient's life. The fight against this disease requires the consistent use of cosmetics rich in emollients (which at the same time will soothe and soothe the skin, but also reduce factors exacerbating the degree of skin dryness and penetration of allergens), soothe irritations and avoid contact with water and soap.
Dry skin care in a nutshell
Dry skin is subject to aging processes faster, so it is worth taking care of its good hydration both inside and outside.
The symptoms of dry skin must not be neglected and neglected. Skin problems may be the first symptom of a serious illness. If you have noticed chronic dry skin and you suspect any of them, be sure to contact your doctor. Untreated dry skin can be very irritated, turn into severe eczema, crack and may develop lichen. It is accompanied by pain, itching and an unsightly appearance. Thin, sensitive skin is also much more susceptible to damage and the development of serious infections.
