Do you have dry skin? The chances that you do are not as remote as some people believe. Millions of people worldwide currently suffer from the condition. Also contrary to what most people suppose, it is an ailment that is usually easily treated.

Symptoms manifest themselves in different ways for each person afflicted and vary from a minor itchiness to an unsightly and painful on-going condition. In extreme cases the skin’s surface can become inflamed with open sores that are liable to infection.

The medical term used for dry skin is xerosis cutis. However, eczema and contact dermatitis are two of the other medical conditions that may result in a drying of the skin. In addition, dermatologists refer to the fish-like scaling of severe cases as ichthyosis. If you have skin issues such as dermatitis, then a good information source to read is http://www.dermatitis-page.info/what_causes_dermatitis.html. In this article, we will not be addressing these latter medical conditions.

Healthy skin is flexible and gentle to the touch, topped with a thin covering of essential lipids; fatty substances that help keep the correct level of moisture content in the epidermis. If these lipids are damaged by compulsive washing or by using harsh soaps and lotions, then dry itchy skin may result.

The perfectly normal process of maturing as an individual may also prompt a dryness of the skin. In fact, a large number of elderly people have trouble with dry skin. Women are particularly susceptible as changes in hormone levels can be a contributing factor to the problem.

People with an inadequate or non-varied diet often suffer from dry skin. The medical conditions of diabetes, thyroid imbalances, along with others, can also make people susceptible to dry skin.
Now we have identified the main reasons for dry skin and chapped hands, you will be pleased to realise that most outbreaks may be effectively treated by applying a few easy to follow tips.

Adopt a sensible skin hygiene routine:

Always use a mild, perfume free soap or shower lotion. Additives may irritate and exacerbate already vulnerable skin.

Avoid using a harsh sponge or cleaning brushes. By doing so, along with any ingrained dirt, you are liable to remove your skin’s own top buffering layer.

A cool show is always better for your skin than a hot bath. If you are still tempted by the luxury of soaking in the bath, only fill it with lukewarm water. Any tightening or wrinkling of the skin after cleaning is an indication that the water was far too hot and damage to your epidermis may have resulted.

Never dry your skin by rubbing with a towel. This, again, will tend to damage your skin’s fragile outer layer. Instead, use a soft blotting motion to get yourself dry by dabbing with a cotton soft gentle towel.

Next, make sure that you use a laboratory tested moisturiser that has been verified non-toxic:

Regularly moisturising is critical in addressing dry skin problems. However, always opt for a moisturising cream that is fragrance free – the less allergens that your skin is exposed to, the more chance your are giving it the opportunity to recover. This rules out most cosmetic moisturising creams and lotions.

Finally, become self-aware:

Make a daily inspection of your dry skin and endeavour to identify any manual task, pastime or circumstance that appears to worsen the condition. Exposure to irritants may play a major role in initiating and worsening dry skin and its associated problems.A lot of those with dry skin problems have experienced a curious coincidence. When travelling abroad, they have noticed that their skin condition benefits whilst on vacation in a warmer climate. The Madeira Archipelago is a perfect choice for the tourist and boasts a long list of 5* hotels. It is blessed with a large selection of interesting tourist benefits. When selecting a place to stay consider entertainment facilities of Funchal, the capital of Madeira.

Adopting these few easy to manage tips will very likely reduce or alleviate most cases of dry skin. But be aware, it is very important that if your skin condition does not respond to these simple measures, or the body region affected feels hot or painful to touch, or the outbreak onset was rapid, then you really should consult a health professional.

Disclaimer: It Should be noted that this article is based on information freely available in the popular press and medical publications that deal with dry skin. Nothing contained above is intended to be or should be considered to be any sort of medical advice. For medical advice the reader should consult with their physician or other medical professional.