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Dry Skin Diseases Usually, dry skin is a temporary condition that goes away when the weather improves or when you make a lifestyle change for the better. But what if the dry skin persists? It might be a sign of a more serious medical condition. This article lists some of the more common diseases that have dry skin as a symptom. If you are plagued with persistent dry skin, check the diseases listed below and see if anything sounds familiar. 1. Psoriasis Psoriasis is a frustrating skin condition characterized by a buildup of rough, dry, dead skin cells that form silvery scales that sometimes resemble dandruff. It usually affects the skin on the elbows and knees, but can affect any area of the body such as the scalp and the genitals. In more severe cases, your dry skin may redden, crack, bleed, and blister. Psoriasis is a persistent, chronic disease that flares periodically and remains active for years. It may lead to difficulty in performing ordinary tasks such as walking, self-care, and sleep, and may cause more serious psychological problems if left untreated. 2. Thyroid disorders The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate how the body uses energy, including the activity of sweat and oil glands. A fairly common condition known as Hypothyroidism causes the thyroid to secrete too little of these hormones, leaving you with rough and dry skin. Hypothyroidism cannot be prevented, and treatment is usually for life. If left untreated, however, it can lead to life-threatening conditions such as myxedema coma. 3. Keratosis Pilaris Keratosis pilaris is an hereditary disorder and is commonly found in people with very dry skin and/or a vitamin A deficiency. It appears as small, acne-like bumps that usually appear on the upper arms, legs, or buttocks. While they usually don't hurt or itch, the bumps create rough patches and give dry skin an appearance that resembles sandpaper or goose flesh. Patches are typically skin-colored, but can become red and inflamed in more serious cases. People with dry skin have a more difficult time treating this condition than those with oily skin. About the only treatment for this condition is use of a loofah sponge or buff-puff when washing. 4. Ichthyosis vulgaris This is sometimes called fish scale disease or fish skin disease. Ichthyosis vulgaris develops when dead, dry skin cells fail to shed normally and instead accumulate in thick scales. The scales are small, polygonal in shape and range in color from white to brown. Ichthyosis vulgaris may also cause scalp flaking and deep, painful fissures on your palms and soles. 5. Asteatotic eczema (eczema craquele) Asteatotic eczema is a disease that causes dry, scaly, deeply fissured skin. Doctors describe the dry skin as resembling cracked porcelain or a dry riverbed. The affected skin may become inflamed, itchy, and may bleed. On the other hand, it doesn't mean that if your dry skin problems don't fall under any of the skin conditions listed above, it's okay not to take care of them. There are several skin conditions that, while they do not cause dry skin, may instead stem from it. Dry skin that isn't cared for may lead to the following common skin diseases: 1. Dermatitis (eczema) Dermatitis is a skin condition that leads to redness, cracking and inflammation. While there are many types of dermatitis, perhaps the most common is xerotic eczema, better known as "winter itch." It is simply dry skin that has become so severe that it has turned into eczema. The limbs and trunk are often the hardest hit by this disease, with the tender dry skin often resembling a dry riverbed. 2. Folliculitis Folliculitis is the inflammation of the hair follicles. It is often characterized by broken dry skin that has been infected enough that white-headed pimples begin forming around one or more hair follicles. More serious folliculitis extend deeper into the skin, causing large pus-filled pimples that scar when they heal. Folliculitis is a generally uncomfortable and embarrassing skin condition that requires medical attention if it persists over more than three days. 3. Cellulitis Cellulitis is a potentially serious bacterial infection of the skin's underlying tissues that may enter the lymphatic system and blood vessels. It often occurs where dry skin has cracked or broken and bacteria are allowed to enter. Sometimes the break is not even visible. In rare cases, the infection can spread to the deep layer of tissue called the fascial lining. Necrotizing fasciitis, also called by the media as "flesh-eating bacteria," is an example of a deep-layer infection. It represents an extreme medical emergency. Your prompt action may lead to the treatment of a more serious disease before it gets worse, or avoid one entirely before its onset. If your dry skin worries you, it would be best to see your doctor or visit a dermatologist. |
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