What are types of Dry Skin and Risk Factors

Dry Skin is a condition marked by scaling, itching and cracking. It can come for many reasons. It is not necessary that if you have oily skin your skin won’t develop dry skin. Dry skin affects any part of your body. It may commonly affect the hands, arms and legs. You may need some lifestyle changes and moisturizers to treat it. If still you don’t see any results you must consult a doctor.

Various Types of dry skin

Dry skin can result from an underlying medical condition. Many factors such as exposure to dry weather, hot water and certain chemicals can cause dry skin.

Dermatitis

It is the medical term for extremely dry skin. There are many more types of dermatitis.

Contact dermatitis

This develops when you touch something it causes localized inflammation

Contact dermatitis can also be caused when your skin gets exposed to irritating chemicals such as bleach and other agents.

Allergic contact dermatitis can develop when your skin gets exposed to any substance you are allergic with such as nickel.

Seborrheic dermatitis

This occurs when your skin is producing too much of oil. Also you may see red and scaly rash on your scalp. This condition is common in infants. 

Atopic dermatitis

This is also known as eczema. It is a chronic skin condition in which dry scaly patches appear on the skin. This condition is common in young children.

There are two condition psoriasis and type 2 diabetes which can cause skin to dry out.

Risk factors for dry skin

As dry skin may affect anyone. There are few risk factors that might increase your chance of developing dry skin.

  • Age is the most important factor as older people are most likely to develop dry skin.
  • Season is also another factor as dry skin is common during the winter months when humidity levels are low. While in summer due to high humidity your skin doesn’t dry out fast
  • If you have any medical history related eczema or allergic contact to dry skin you are likely to have dry skin too.
  • Taking frequent baths or washing with hot water may raise your risk of dry skin.

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