Dry skin is not always a sign of a skin disease. Misusing moisturizers, hot showers and harsh soaps can lead to an overly-dry skin.

What Factors affect your Skin?

Apart from UV exposure, malnutrition and hypothyroidism that wreak havoc on your skin, there are plenty other factors that have an effect on your already dry skin. Any noticeable changes could be due to changing hormones, menopause and a few medical conditions.

Psoriasis

This is a skin disease that causes the skin to swell. Swollen patches are itchy and are usually found on the knees, elbows, palms and soles of the feet. However, thick patches are also found on the face.

Psoriasis is hard to diagnose since it frequently looks like other skin diseases. Your doctor may need to examine a small skin sample under a microscope to suggest your treatment plan.

Basic dermatitis or rashes

It is common for people with dry skin to experience rashes on the face, hands and feet. Avoid foods and toning products that usually lead to flares.

Rosacea

The skin condition involves frequent redness of the face and causes the eyes and nose to swell. Rosacea is usually determined by looking at your medical history along with a physical exam. Although, the condition is incurable, it can be controlled.

Lupus

If you have a butterfly-shaped rash across your cheeks and nose, it could be a symptom of Lupus. In this autoimmune disease, your body begins to attack the tissues in your body, causing inflammation. Common treatments include round the counter anti-inflammatory drugs.

Diabetes

Diabetes also triggers a wide range of skin problem. If you have diabetes, excessively dry skin leads to serious and dangerous outcomes. The outer layer of your skin is the body’s primary defense against bacteria but since bacteria feeds on glucose, a diabetes patient is at a higher risk of bacterial infection, even if he/she gets the slightest of skin cuts.

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is rare but it is likely to develop in people who are exposed to the sun. An early diagnosis helps to overcome this of cancer.

Skin cancer is becoming common in the U.S. with more than two million people getting diagnosed each year. Make sure you keep checking your skin for a spot or sore that doesn’t heal within 4 weeks. Other symptoms of skin cancer include discolored skin and changes in existing moles.