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Dry skin and itching can affect your sleep, cause irritability, or be a symptom of a disease. It is a common skin condition and is known to occur more often during the winter months when cold air outside and heated air inside causes low humidity. Most people will notice the appearance of dry patchy areas on their lower legs, arms, or flanks. This may be caused by changes in weather, diet, or drugs that you may be taking. Dry skin is produced when the skin quickly loses an excessive amount of moisture. In part, dry skin is caused by trans-epidermal water loss, which worsens in older adults.

What causes Dry skin?

Several factors contribute to dry skin. Here are just a few:

Anti-bacterial soaps - Over cleansing with antibacterial soaps can dry out the skin.

Eczema - a chronic skin condition characterized by skin inflammation and irritation. Hypothyroidism - An underactive Thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) causes dry skin and delayed wound healing, fatigue, and depression. This is also the most common form of thyroid disease.

Vitamin A deficiency - Vitamin A deficiency also causes dry and rough skin, making it take into a kind of "goose flesh" appearance.

Dermatitis - Dry skin and dermatitis are prevalent during the winter months.

Treatment for Dry Skin Conditions

An oily cream or a dry skin moisturizer is used as an emollient in treating dry skin conditions; however, this may cause pores to clog and result in a whole new skin condition. Natural ingredients are much gentler on the skin and work with it instead of against it.

Using an air humidifier is also useful if you suffer from dry skin, especially during winter. A small humidifier on the side of your bed will help your skin to retain moisture, but make sure your bedroom door is closed to keep moisture in.

There is a natural balm that offers natural eczema relief and dermatitis treatment. Its effectiveness is such, that it is a wonderful night cream that is effective for other skin conditions such as: psoriasis, skin rashes and rosacea.