It is said that dry skin is a common affliction, and that itchy, flaky skin can be a symptom of many types of skin diseases and disorders, as the skin can crack as it loses its’ moisture. Lotions and moisturizers may only be able to relieve dryness temporarily if the problem seems to persist, and can sometimes be a sign of having a particular skin condition. Eczema is one of those conditions created by dry skin and vice versa, and there are many ways that treatment can be diagnosed, such as excessively dry hands can be a sign of hand eczema.
Eczema is actually a very general term used many different types of skin inflammation, or dermatitis, and may include various common symptoms like itchy and reddened dry skin. Many different elements can be the cause for this kind of ailment, and some of them include cleaning products, rubber gloves, and even cosmetic creams. With the skin, or dermis, being itchy, it is common for prolonged scratching to occur, and can lead to a reddening and thickening of the skin or an irritated and scaling skin condition with the thickening being clinically-known as ‘lichenification’.
One of the more undesirable symptoms of eczema may be a cracking and/or ‘weeping’ of the skin, due to open sores, and these sores could become infected if left untreated. Not all causes to this wide range of symptoms have been fully determined by doctors and scientific minds, as there is much speculation over the role genetics and allergies and stress can be factors as well, and an opinion on this issue has found a tendency for skin reactions like this running in a family. People with eczema including their hands may also have signs of hay fever, food allergies, and/or asthma.
It is also widely thought that increasing age and metabolic factors such as under active thyroid or extreme weight loss may also have an impact on one’s skin condition when eczema is the case. Even weather can be a potent fact when thinking about the treatment and care of one’s flesh, and when the humidity is too low or being too close to a heater or fire. Excessive showering or even swimming may lead to an outbreak of dermatitis, and especially in strongly chlorinated cold or hot water. With all these varying elements, it is no wonder how dry skin could be so common, but there are things that can be used to help eliminate symptoms that can even lead to an eventual recovery.
Some of these treatments can include; avoiding scratching, limiting exposure to potential irritants, using a hypoallergenic soap, and even limiting the amount of hand washing can lead to a full relief from these symptoms. Reducing the amount you bathe and the temperature of the water used can be an effective deterrent against problems with excessive itching, and applying an emollient liberally after bathing and when itchy can be an effective preventative before it seems that it could be worse. One of the more well-proven methods is by getting a prescribed topical steroid for a five to fifteen day course from your doctor can be a great method for treating these symptoms before they are allowed to get any more problematic.