Understanding Excessive Dryness of the Skin
As individuals age, dry skin often becomes a common occurrence. By the time one reaches 60, it’s typical to experience some degree of dryness. Moreover, certain medications, cancer treatments, and undergoing dialysis can exacerbate the issue.
What Causes Excessive Dryness of the Skin?
The skin becomes excessively dry when it loses moisture too rapidly. Various factors contribute to this:
- Using harsh cleaning products and deodorant soaps, which strip the skin of its natural oils.
- Taking long, hot showers, which further deplete the skin’s moisture.
- Residing in cold, arid climates, which can exacerbate skin dryness.
While mild dryness can often be managed through lifestyle adjustments and regular moisturizing, severe dryness persists when the skin’s ability to retain moisture or repair itself is compromised. Age, certain medications, and underlying health conditions can all play a role in excessively dry skin.
Who is Prone to Excessive Dryness?
Several groups are particularly vulnerable to developing excessively dry skin:
- Individuals in middle age or older, as sebum production decreases with age.
- People with darker or fairer skin tones, who are more susceptible to severe dryness.
- Those prescribed medications like statins and diuretics, which may lead to dryness as a side effect.
If you’re experiencing severe dryness of the skin, dermatologists strongly recommend seeking treatment to prevent further complications. Ignoring the issue may result in lasting effects, including persistent itching, development of food allergies, increased skin irritation, and heightened susceptibility to serious skin infections.
Schedule a appointment with Dermatologist in Simi Valley.