Dry skin is one of the most common problems. This condition can be caused by many things, ranging from aging, irritation, to certain diseases. Dry skin can only occur in arm, hand, and foot,or it could be all over the body.
Dry skin or xerosis is easily recognized by its symptoms, such as itchy, red, rough, and peeling skin. In more severe symptoms, dry skin can cause deep cracks and may bleed.
Dry and itchy skin should not be scratched often because it can cause the skin to be easily injured and infected.
Causes of Dry Skin
Here are 7 things that can cause dry skin:
1. Irritation skin
The first cause of dry skin is irritation of the skin. Triggers can vary, ranging from exposure to dust and pollution, antiseptic in bath soap, alcohol in perfume, to detergent in laundry soap.
Especially alcohol, detergents, and antiseptics, these three chemicals can also reduce the production of sebum or natural oils that function to maintain skin moisture.
2. Habits of mrub skin
Too often scrubbing the skin with a sponge or scrub bathing or scrubbing too hard with a towel afterward can also cause dry skin. The reason is, when rubbed too often and tightly, the moisture on the surface of the skin will decrease.
To prevent dry skin, try not to rub your skin too often and dry your body gently with a towel after showering.
3. Aging
As people get older, a person's skin will become thinner so it is easy to become dry. This can occur due to reduced collagen and sebum in the skin.
4. Weather changes
Changes in weather also affect the level of humidity in the air. The lower the humidity, usually occurs when the temperature is cold, the skin feels drier.
5. Often mandi hot water
Hot showers and saunas can indeed make the body more relaxed. However, if you do it too often or for too long, this habit can actually make the skin dry. This is because hot temperatures can reduce the skin's natural moisture.
Not only hot baths and saunas, too long activities in the hot sun can also cause dry skin.
6. Certain health conditions
There are many diseases or medical conditions that can cause a person to have dry, scaly, and red skin, such as atopic dermatitis, eczema, or psoriasis. The disease can also make the skin feel itchy.
In addition, dry skin can also be caused by kidney disease, ichthyosis, thyroid disorders, malnutrition, and diabetes.
7. Drug side effects
Consumption of certain drugs can cause side effects in the form of dry skin. Examples are diuretic drugs, cholesterol-lowering drugs such as statins, retinoid drugs such as isotretinoin, and chemotherapy drugs.
How to Overcoming Dry Skin?
Dry skin can actually be overcome in a simple way, but it needs to be done consistently. Here are some of them:
Uchange the frequency and duration of bathing
If you have dry skin, keep your body clean by bathing in moderation and not too often. Also, try to take a shower no more than 10 minutes and don't use hot water too often.
Use a soap that contains moisturizing
To improve and prevent dry skin, you should use a soap that contains moisturizing and mild chemicals. After bathing, you can also use a moisturizing cream to keep the skin moist.
Don't forget, always use a soft towel to dry your body and don't rub it too hard.
Avoid excessive sun exposure
Avoid direct sun exposure for a long time and don't forget to wear sunscreen when you are outside the house. Also meet your daily fluid needs by drinking about 2 liters of water or the equivalent of 8 glasses to prevent dehydration.
Dry skin problems can be overcome by applying some of the tips above and staying away from the factors that cause this condition.
However, if your skin is still dry or the problem arises because of certain diseases, such as eczema or dermatitis, allergies, or other diseases, you should
consult a dermatologist to get the right treatment.