What Are the Treatments for Dry Flaky Skin?
Dry, flaky skin can usually be easily treated with the use of high-quality moisturizers and by avoiding extended showers and baths. There is also a variety of effective treatments for the more stubborn and serious cases of dry skin.
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Always Use Mild Skin Cleansers
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When your skin is dry it's important to avoid abrasive soaps that may contribute to dryness. Many mild skin cleansers and shower gels add moisturizers that are gentle on vulnerable skin. Keep in mind that your cleansers should leave your skin feeling soft. If it feels dry or tight you will want to try a different product.
Moisturize When Skin is Moist
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When you get out of the bath or shower, don't thoroughly dry your skin. Let some moisture remain because it will help lock water into the surface cells of your skin. Moisturize your skin right away with a cream or oil.
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Lactic Acid
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An over-the-counter cream that can fight extremely dry and scaly skin contains lactic acid. Lactic acid is derived from sour milk. It can often be found in skin-care products because it helps the skin retain water.
Prescription Creams
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More serious skin conditions such as psoriasis may require a more potent prescription cream. Symptoms of psoriasis may include dry, cracked skin and red patches that are enclosed in silvery-colored scales.
Hydrocortisone Lotions
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Chronic dry skin may cause the skin to become itchy and red. This could be a sign of dermatitis. An effective treatment for this inflammation of the skin is a lotion that contains hydrocortisone.
Astringents
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In more severe cases of dermatitis the skin may have open cracks. Your doctor might decide to treat the skin with an astringent-wet dressing to ward off infection.
Cool compresses
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Your skin may itch when it is very dry and flaky. Placing a cool compress on the affected area can help relieve the urge to scratch.
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