Many people suffer from Xeroderma or dry skin conditions at some point in their life. Although more common during the winter months when our skin is subjected to conditions of low humidity due to the cold, dry winds outside and centrally heated interiors, dry skin can affect just about anyone at any time of the year. Most of us think of our skin, if at all, as just the covering on our body but it is in fact the largest organ of the Human body and a complex and important indicator of our general well being. The most common places we suffer from dry skin are on the scalp, hands, lower legs and ankles and flanks – the sides of the torso. There are many causes of dry skin and many steps you can take to either eliminate or lessen the effects of the condition. Many people inherit dry skin conditions, often in the form of Eczema or Psoriasis. These are incurable conditions but the effects can be controlled successfully by the vast majority of sufferers by use of emollients, prescribed steriod creams and dietry changes.
Other medical causes of dry skin can be as a side effect of Diabetes or as an indicator of an underactive Thyroid Gland. A common cause of dry skin in today’s world is the amount of chemicals our skin comes into contact with on a regular basis. Harsh soaps, detergents, washing powders and other cleaning products can all have a drying effect on the skin. Our dietary habits can also have a major effect on the condition of our skin. Consumption of alchohol, caffeine and fatty foods are all known to dry out our skin as are the effects of smoking. Generally, unless you suffer from a skin condition such as Eczema or Psoriasis, a change to a more healthy diet, a little exercise and the use of re-hydrating moisurizers will have a great effect in limiting or completely banishing the occurance of dry skin.
