DRY SKIN SYMPTOMS

8:23 AM by M.Ali Mehar
Dry skin symptoms in people are generally the same. Skin is often driest on the arms, lower legs, and the sides of the abdomen. Other areas were dry skin is commonly found are the hands, face, elbows, and heels of feet. However, not everybody suffers from these symptoms to the same degree.

Symptoms vary depending on variables such as:

  • health
  • age
  • geographical location (cold and dry climates producing greater symptoms)
  • time spent outdoors.



There are two categories of dry skin symptoms. Basic dry skin symptoms are due to environmental factors or normal skin aging.

Basic Dry Skin Symptoms:

  • skin has a rough and dry texture instead of smooth
  • a loss of plumpness – skin appears shrunken or dehydrated
  • skin is dull in appearance
  • after showering, bathing, or swimming the skin feels and looks tight
  • flaking, scaling, or peeling of the skin is quite common
  • itchy feeling which is sometimes intense (so intense it may interfere with proper sleep)
    calloused (toughened) skin
  • normal fine lines or wrinkles in the skin become much more visible
  • severe redness, inflamed areas, or tenderness in the skin
  • cracks in skin or deep cuts that may bleed which are signs of extremely dry skin.

The other category of dry skin symptoms is due to more serious conditions. These symptoms are more specific to the stated condition.





Ichthyosis vulgaris (fish scale disease or fish skin disease)

  • dry scales on skin surface which range in colour from white to brown
  • commonly found on lower legs where scales are thick and dark
  • may cause flaking of the scalp
  • may also be present as deep cracks on the palm of the hands and soles of the feet.

Lamellar Ichthyosis

  • skin is covered in scales which are either fine and white or thick and dark
  • more common on legs, but generally found all over body.



Asteatotic Eczema

  • skin is dry, scaly, and with deep cracks (like a dry riverbed)
  • skin in this condition can become inflamed, itchy and will bleed
  • usually occurs on the shins and occasionally on the thighs, hands, and torso.