Why Do I Have Dry Patches of Skin on the Face and Body?
Dry Patches of Skin on the Face & Body
If dry, cracked skin has left you in a state of discomfort, you’re not alone. Especially during the arid months of winter, dry skin is fairly common. Determining the cause of your dry skin can be difficult. It may be as simple as the products you’re using, or something more sinister like an underlying skin condition.
What causes patches of dry skin?
There are a number of reasons why one may experience dry skin. In some cases, your skin is simply reacting to some external irritant. After all, our bodies are in constant contact with chemicals in our household cleaners, pharmaceuticals, and even our foods. On the other hand, the cause of dryness may be more than skin deep. Some underlying health conditions cause parched skin that can become quite uncomfortable.
Eczema
Sometimes referred to as atopic dermatitis, eczema can result in red, scaly patches of skin. Eczema can occur in individuals of any age and tends to concentrate on the following areas of the body:
Hands
Feet
Neck
Face
Upper chest
Readers should note that eczema can appear in other regions of the body and can’t be ruled out if you’re experiencing dry skin. In most cases, eczema causes mild itchiness and irritation, but it can worsen to the point of cracking, burning, or even bleeding.
Treatment for eczema
Mild cases of eczema can typically be treated with over-the-counter ointments or creams. It’s important that you use a daily dry skin moisturizer to calm and soothe dry patches. Stronger doses of topical corticosteroids, as well as other oral treatments for eczema, must be administered via prescription from a licensed healthcare professional.
Psoriasis
Attributed to an auto-immune disorder, psoriasis due to skin cells multiplying at too rapid a rate. Old dead skin cells fail to fall off before new skin cells are generated resulting in white, scaly patches slightly raised above the skin’s surface. Though it can crop up just about anywhere on the body, more than half of psoriasis sufferers observe the condition on their face and scalp. In severe cases psoriasis can sabotage your fingernails, causing them to crumble or fall off altogether.
Sadly, psoriasis can be passed down genetically and is a lifelong skin disorder. Fortunately, psoriasis only rears its ugly head every so often in the form of flare-ups. There are some lifestyle choices that can trigger these flare-ups more often such as smoking, excessive alcohol use, stress, certain infections, and obesity.
Treatment for psoriasis
Like eczema, psoriasis can often be treated with non-prescription remedies. Ultra-gentle cleansers, moisturizers, and medicated creams are just a few drugstore solutions for psoriasis. If your flare-ups become too frequent, this could be an indication that an oral treatment is necessary.
Contact dermatitis
One of the most common causes of dry skin is contact dermatitis. As the name hints, contact dermatitis is a dry itchy rash that occurs when your skin comes in contact with an irritant. Simply put, it’s an allergic reaction. The most frequent triggers of contact dermatitis include:
Artificial fragrances & perfumes
Poisonous plant life like poison ivy
Latex
Harsh chemicals in household products
Certain types of jewelry
Treatment for contact dermatitis
Because contact dermatitis is the result of an allergic reaction, most cases can be resolved with topical steroid treatments. Discontinue use of any new products that may be causing a reaction. Revert to a simple skincare routine to gently cleanse and moisturize. In some cases, steroids must be injected to take full effect. These injections can be done by your primary doctor, dermatologist, or even by an emergency physician.
Seborrheic dermatitis
Do you suffer from dandruff? If so, then you’ve (probably unknowingly) experienced seborrheic dermatitis. Small white flakes of skin will collect on the scalp and eyebrows, as well as around the sides of your nose and behind the ears. It’s believed that seborrheic dermatitis happens as a result of an immune system response to a species of yeast known as Malassezia yeast. Despite presenting itself in the form of dead crusty skin, seborrheic dermatitis can cause your complexion to appear greasy.
Treatment for seborrheic dermatitis
Start by using a clarifying shampoo and conditioner to help reduce the overproduction of oil. There are plenty of medicated anti-dandruff shampoos that contain active ingredients to soothe seborrheic dermatitis. Topical antifungal creams and cleansers are also a popular remedy, and can be purchased directly off the shelves or in prescription strength form. To soothe scalp itching and irritation, look for products containing corticosteroids.
Changes in climate
If your dry skin tends to only occur during the fall and winter months, it’s likely just a reaction to a change in the climate. The higher humidity levels that are typical of spring and summer help to keep skin hydrated, while the cool dry air of fall and winter zap the skin of its natural moisture. Because we also frequently run the furnace during these months of the year, it’s easy for your skin to quickly dry out.
Best products for dry scaly skin
Bring out the best in your complexion with a selection of ultra-moisturizing skin care from Moody Sisters. Whether you suffer from scaly skin on your face, body, or both—your favorite beauty babes have your back.
Hydrating Skincare Essentials
Stock your beauty bag with everything you need for healthy, hydrated skin with this set of essentials. Equipt with our fan-favorite Oat & Honey Cleanser, Toning Mist, and Hydrating Shea Face Cream, you’re sure to love this trio of Moody must-haves.
Dry Skin Body Butter
An ultra-rich body butter that leaves your skin smooth to the touch without that greasy buildup? It sounds too good to be true, but our Dry Skin Body Butter does just the trick! Shea and cocoa butter combine to create this soothing salve that practically melts into your skin. This hydrating body butter is best for those with skin sensitivities such as eczema. It eases itchiness and irritation, reduces redness, and fights flakiness.
Dry Skin Body Balm
Do you have a pesky patch of dry skin that needs direct attention? Look no further than our beloved Dry Skin Body Balm. Packaged in a handy twist-tube you can carry in your handbag, this mega-moisturizing body balm can be used to calm dry skin just about anywhere on the body. Rough, cracked knuckles are no match for this blend of beeswax, olive oil, and shea butter. Beat chapped lips before they strike with this softening salve. You can even use this balm to keep tattoos moisturized and looking fresh. Best of all? Our Dry Skin Body Balm formula is safe enough to use on babies' sensitive skin.
