The skin can become dry, scaly, or flaky for many everyday reasons, such as being exposed to chemicals in soaps or harsh, windy weather.
Other causes of dry skin include:
Reading: Dry itchy spots on skin
- using hot water
- excessive hand-washing
- dehydration
- poor nutrition
- lotions that contain alcohol
In many cases, a person can alleviate the symptom by applying the right lotion to the affected area regularly and avoiding cleaning and personal care products that contain harsh chemicals.
In some cases, however, dry skin patches require specific treatment.
Skin conditions can become worse in cold weather, including dermatitis, which broadly refers to any condition that causes skin inflammation. There are many types of dermatitis.
The following skin conditions can cause patches of dry skin:
Table of Contents
Contact dermatitis
This type of dermatitis usually results from contact with an allergen, such as poison ivy or animal dander. Also, some laundry detergents can trigger an allergic reaction.
Contact dermatitis usually clears up on its own.
People can prevent further reactions by identifying what had triggered the dermatitis and by avoiding it in the future.
Contact dermatitis occurs on the area of skin that came into contact with the allergen. This means that it can affect any part of the body. It is common in exposed areas, such as the hands and face.
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Symptoms of contact dermatitis include:
- dry, red, or scaly patches of skin
- hives
- an itching or burning sensation on the affected areas
- open or leaking blisters
Learn more about contact dermatitis here.
Atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a chronic skin disease that mainly affects children. The exact cause remains unclear, but genetic and environmental factors play significant roles.
The symptoms of atopic dermatitis usually appear on the cheeks, arms, and legs.
Some symptoms include:
- dry, irritated skin
- scaly skin
- a rash
- itchiness
- cracked skin behind the ears
Learn more about atopic dermatitis here.
Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition that occurs when the sebaceous glands produce too much oil. It typically causes patches of white, crusty flakes on the scalp, face, chest, and back.
When the condition affects infants, it is called cradle cap.
Other symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis include:
- thin, white or yellow scales
- oily or greasy patches of skin
- red patches of skin
- itchiness
Learn more about seborrheic dermatitis here.
Ichthyosis vulgaris
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Ichthyosis a term that refers to a group of genetic skin disorders that cause dry, scaly skin.
Most forms are extremely rare, and 95 percent of the people affected develop the mildest form: ichthyosis vulgaris.
People usually develop it as children, but some adults get acquired ichthyosis vulgaris.
The condition usually appears on the legs, but can also affect the hands, arms, and the trunk of the body.
Symptoms of ichthyosis vulgaris include:
- dry, itchy, and flaky skin
- scaling skin
- mild thickening of the skin
Learn more about ichthyosis vulgaris here.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a common autoimmune disorder that affects the skin. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, 125 million people worldwide have the condition.
Doctors are unsure of the exact cause, but it relates to genetics and the immune system.
Psoriasis can affect the entire body, but some common sites of psoriatic activity include the:
- scalp
- face
- palms of the hands
- soles of the feet
- knees
- elbows
- lower back
- genitals
Symptoms of psoriasis include:
- dry, red, or scaly patches of skin
- itchy or painful patches of skin
- peeling skin
- discoloration of fingernails and toenails
Learn more about psoriasis here.
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