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What is dry skin?
This is a condition where the skin lacks moisture on the outer layer.
The skin feels dry, rough, and may crack or be scaly.
Images of dry skin
Below is an image of dry skin on lighter colored skin:
Below is an image dry skin on darker colored skin:
What are the symptoms of dry skin?
The skin feels rough or bumpy.
When this is on the back of the upper arms it is called keratosis pilaris.
Your child may complain of itchiness.
It can be on one part of the body or all over.
It may look or feel scaly or it may crack.
If the skin is irritated enough from being dry, it may look red or irritated.
Dry skin that looks pale on the face is called pityriasis alba.
What causes dry skin?
Removing the skin’s natural oils causes dry skin.
When the oils are removed the skin cannot hold moisture.
Common causes that remove the skin’s oil are:
Bathing daily.
Using hot water.
Over use of soap or use of harsh soaps.
Dermatologists recommend using no more than a palm size amount of soap for the full body.
For hand washing, stick to one good pump or about a nickel to quarter size amount.
Drier climates and winter months.
Spending lots of time outside in the sun.
If family members have dry skin, your child may be more likely to have dry skin.
Dry skin can happen at any age, but it is more common in younger kids than teenagers.
Limited water intake or lack of moisturizing the skin.
If your child has atopic dermatitis or eczema, they are more likely to have dry skin.
How is dry skin diagnosed?
Your child’s healthcare provider will ask you and your child (if age appropriate) a number of questions.
Your child’s healthcare provider will examine your child.
Usually by talking to you and examining your child, the diagnosis can be made.
If your child’s healthcare provider has any additional concerns, they may refer your child to a dermatologist.
How is dry skin prevented?
Encourage your child to drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
Use moisturizers twice daily to help keep your child’s skin hydrated.
Using thicker creams or petrolatum (examples: vaseline and aquaphor) helps keep the skin more moist than using lotion.
Use lukewarm water for baths and showers.
Avoid using hot water as it dries out the skin more.
Avoid using harsh or scented soaps.
Avoid bubble baths.
Using cleansers helps provide more moisture than using soap.
After a bath or shower avoid drying the skin completely, but instead pat it down.
Next apply a moisturizer to keep the skin well-hydrated.
Use a humidifier in the winter or if the air is dry, this helps add moisture.
Wear soft, loose clothes.
Cotton is a great option.
Wear gloves when outside in winter to help keep the hands from drying out.
When swimming in pools, be sure to rinse off after using a pool and apply a moisturizer to the skin.
The chemicals in pools can dry the skin.
How is dry skin treated?
Keep the skin moisturized with thicker products like creams or petrolatum (examples: vaseline and aquaphor).
Applying two to three times per day is best.
Avoid hot water when washing hands, showering or bathing.
Use lukewarm water instead.
Avoid bathing more than twice weekly, as it dries out the skin more than showers.
After showers and baths, avoid vigorously wiping the skin, but instead pat the skin dry.
Apply a moisturizer after patting the skin dry to help protect it from drying.
Using cleansers instead of soap can help the skin keep more of it’s natural oil.
Avoid the use of harsh and scented soaps.
Avoid the use of bubble baths.
Avoid products with fragrances and scents.
Wear gloves outside in winter to help keep the hands from drying out.
In summer months avoid direct sun exposure to help the skin stay hydrated.
Encourage your child to drink lots of water.
Use a humidifier in the house to add moisture to the air.
After swimming, rinse off and apply a moisturizer as chemicals in pools can be drying to the skin.
Wear soft, loose clothing.
Cotton is a good, breathable fabric.
If your child is itchy, your child should be seen for further advice. Some healthcare providers may recommend Aloe Vera, Calamine lotion, and Sarna Anti-Itch Lotion to help with itchiness.
When to contact your healthcare team:
Your child has dry skin that is itchy or uncomfortable.
Your child’s skin looks infected.
Your child is waking up at night because their dry skin is bothering them.
Their dry skin is getting worse or not improving.
You have other questions or concerns.
You would like to have your child seen.
📚 References
Article written by TT DO. Reviewed by: TT, DO, JW MD, Patient Education Committee.
This content was adapted from DermNet, Healthychildren.org, Cleveland Clinic,
Images from https://www.medicinenet.com/dry_skin/article.htm, https://dawesfretzin.com/terminology/dry-skin/