How to Diagnose the Cause of Dry Skin

Dry skin is a common condition that an individual of any age and background can have. Different factors can cause dry skin, such as exposure to harsh soaps or skin conditions such as psoriasis.^{[1]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source} Often, simply using a moisturizer can relieve dry skin. However, you may have persistent dry skin or it may appear occasionally even if you moisturize. You can diagnose the cause of your dry skin by assessing symptoms at home and getting medical attention.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Assessing Dry Skin at Home

1
Recognize causes of dry skin. In most cases, environmental factors cause dry skin. However, other skin conditions can also cause dry skin. Causes of dry skin include:^{[2]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Academy of DermatologyProfessional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologistsGo to source}
- Weather, especially when it is cold.
- Heat from central heating, wood burning stoves, or space heaters.
- Harsh soaps and detergents.
- Long, hot baths and showers.
- Swimming in heavily-chlorinated pools.
- Underlying skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and lichen.
- Dehydration.
Keep a diary if you experience the symptoms dry skin. Note when you notice or feel any dry skin as well as what helps or worsens it. This can help gain an overall picture of when you have dry skin as well as identify the specific cause of your dry skin.^{[3]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Academy of DermatologyProfessional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologistsGo to source}
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3
Recognize if you use harsh detergent or soaps. Bathing and daily tasks such as laundry can expose you to soaps, body washes, and detergents. If you experience any symptoms, such as tightening skin patches, after coming in contact with a soap or detergent, note it in your diary. These could be a cause of your dry skin.^{[4]XTrustworthy SourceHarvard Medical SchoolHarvard Medical School's Educational Site for the PublicGo to source}
- Note what soap or detergent you used that caused the symptoms of dry skin. Every soap and detergent has various ingredients and your skin may react to different ones. For example, “Skin felt fine when I woke up. After shampooing two clients with clarifying shampoo, I started to feel tightness in my hands and wrists. Used a light hand lotion and this helped until I used the shampoo again.”
4
Pay attention to your bathing habits. Most people like a calming hot shower or bath. However, hot water can strip skin of its natural oils and cause dry skin. Take note of how your skin feels when you get out of the bath or shower. Also pay attention to how your skin feels after you pat or air dry it. These can indicate if your dry skin is a result of your bathing habits.^{[5]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Recognize that swimming—in a chlorinated pool or natural body of water—may also be a cause of your dry skin.
- Keep in mind that the combination of hot water and harsh soaps can also contribute to dry skin. Using a mild soap can help you determine if the water or soap is the cause of your dry skin.
5
Watch skin exposed to the elements. Dry skin is often worse in the winter. However, being exposed to air conditioning during the summer can also reduce the amount of water in your skin. Keeping an eye on any skin that is exposed to low temperatures and the low humidity associated with very hot and dry heating can help you identify if atmospheric conditions are the cause of your dry skin.^{[6]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Look for differences in areas exposed to cold or dry heat and those protected by clothing.
- For example, if you ski, check if the skin on your face is drier than the rest of your body after a day on the slopes. If it is, the cold weather may be the cause of your dry skin. Likewise, if you use space heaters or wood-burning fires in your home, see how proximity to the heat source affects your skin. Note if your dry skin eases if you sit farther away from the heater or fireplace.
6
Keep underlying conditions in mind. In some cases, underlying conditions, such as menopause or eczema, can cause or exacerbate dry skin. If have or are experiencing symptoms of dry skin, the following conditions may make either worse:^{[7]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Atopic dermatitis, or eczema.
- Psoriasis.
- Menopause.
- Hypothyroidism.
- Hyperthyroidism.
- Dehydration.
- Diabetes.
- Kidney disease and dialysis.
7
Consider your medications. Just like underlying conditions, certain medications can cause dry skin or make it worse. Recognizing what medications can temporarily cause dry skin can help you determine the source of your specific case. Some medications that can cause dry skin include:^{[8]XTrustworthy SourceMedlinePlusCollection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of MedicineGo to source}
- Diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide or furosemide.
- Topical retinoids such as Retin-A.
- Systemic retinoids.
- Cholesterol medications such as pravastatin and simvastatin.
8
Eliminate potential causes of dry skin. If you suspect a specific environmental factor is causing your dry skin, remove it from your usual routine. Repeat this process until you can diagnose the cause of your dry skin. Some ways to eliminate potential causes of dry skin include:^{[9]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Academy of DermatologyProfessional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologistsGo to source}
- Wearing gloves if your hands are in water often or exposed to soaps or detergents.
- Switching out cleansers for milder, unscented products.
- Turning down the water temperature in showers and baths.
- Taking shorter baths and showers.
- Choosing non-alcohol based products.
- Avoiding anti-bacterial products.
- Considering alternative medications.
- Covering exposed skin.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Seeking a Medical Diagnosis

1
Schedule an appointment with your doctor. Most lifestyle and home remedies will relieve dry skin. If you continue to have dry skin even after home care, see your doctor as soon as possible. Your healthcare professional can diagnose the cause of your dry skin and develop the best treatment plan for you.^{[10]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source} You should also see a doctor if you:
- Have dry skin with redness.
- Dryness and/or itching interrupt your sleep.
- Have open sores or infections from cracks or scratching.
- Have large areas of peeling or scaling skin.
2
Undergo an examination. Your doctor will conduct a thorough examination of your skin. This will help your doctor feel or notice any particular symptoms of dry skin you have. An exam may also include answering questions your doctor has about your dry skin.^{[11]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Academy of DermatologyProfessional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologistsGo to source}
- Take your doctor any notes you have about your dry skin. Let the doctor know when the condition started and what makes it worse or better. You may also want to let your doctor know about any other factors that could contribute to your dry skin. Tell your doctor about things such as bathing and eating habits, medications, and other health issues such thyroid disease.^{[12]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Answer any questions your doctor asks honestly. Don’t be ashamed of any information that may help your doctor, who is asking questions to best help you.
If your dry skin is especially severe or has no clear cause, your doctor may order diagnostic tools such as a blood tests or examining skin flakes or scales under a microscope.^{[13]XTrustworthy SourceCleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source} These can identify the specific cause of your dry skin, including underlying causes such as hormonal imbalances caused by menopause or hypothyroidism.
A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in disorders of the skin. Your regular doctor may suggest seeing a dermatologist if your skin doesn’t heal with medical treatment. A dermatologist can often more definitively diagnose a specific skin condition or issue and provide alternative types of treatment for your specific case.^{[14]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
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