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Dry cracking skin in winter
My skin is dry
Skin peeling
Dry flaky skin
Cracked skin
Scaly skin
Scaling skin
Not seeing your symptoms? No worries!
What is Xerosis?
This refers to dry skin. As a result, the affected skin is prone to scaling and cracks and itching.
Typical Symptoms of Xerosis
- Dry skin that gets worse or cracks in the winter months
- Dry and flaky skin
- Dry skin
- Skin problems
- Areas of irritated or peeling skin
Diagnostic Questions for Xerosis
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
- Does your dry skin worsen or crack during winter?
- Do you have dry and flaky skin?
- Do you have dry skin?
- Do you have any skin problems
- Do you have areas of irritated or peeling skin?
Treatment of Xerosis
Using moisturizers regularly (at least three times a day, especially after baths) will be helpful. Minimizing the use of soap is also recommended.
Reviewed By:
Sarita Nori, MD (Dermatology)
Dr. Sarita Nori was drawn to dermatology because of the intersection of science and medicine that is at the heart of dermatology. She feels this is what really allows her to help her patients. “There is a lot of problem-solving in dermatology and I like that,” she explains. “It’s also a profession where you can help people quickly and really make a difference in their lives.” | Some of the typical skin problems that Dr. Nori treats include skin cancers, psoriasis, acne, eczema, rashes, and contact dermatitis. Dr Nori believes in using all possible avenues of treatment, such as biologics, especially in patients with chronic diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. “These medications can work superbly, and they are really life-changing for many patients.” | Dr. Nori feels it’s important for patients to have a good understanding of the disease or condition that is affecting them. “I like to educate my patients on their problem and have them really understand it so they can take the best course of action. Patients always do better when they understand their skin condition, and how to treat it.”
Yukiko Ueda, MD (Dermatology)
Dr. Ueda graduated from the Niigata University School of Medicine and trained at the University of Tokyo Medical School. She is currently a clinical assistant professor at the Department of Dermatology, Jichi Medical University, and holds several posts in the dermatology departments at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Komagome Hospital, University of Tokyo, and the Medical Center of Japan Red Cross Society.
Content updated on Mar 31, 2024
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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People with similar symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes
- Increase in dandruff
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- Scaly skin that rubs off
- Desquamation
- Skin erosion
- Winter causing dry skin
- There is a sore on the side
- Xerosis
See full list
Symptoms Related to Xerosis
Diseases Related to Xerosis
FAQs
Q.
Skin Still Dry? Why Hyaluronic Acid Serum Fails & Medical Next Steps
A.
If hyaluronic acid serum is not fixing dryness, there are several factors to consider; see below to understand more. Because HA is only a humectant, it needs to be applied to damp skin and sealed with a moisturizer, and dryness can persist when the skin barrier is damaged, humidity is low, or when medical issues like xerosis, thyroid disease, or diabetes are involved. Next steps range from barrier-repair routines and humidifiers to a xerosis symptom check and seeing a clinician if symptoms are severe, persistent, or include itching, cracks, fatigue, or weight changes, with full details below.
References:
* Sudha P. R. (2020). Hyaluronic acid in dermatology: An update. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology, 86(3), 241–251.
* Proksch, E., Brasch, J., & Diepgen, T. L. (2019). Xerosis Cutis: A Review of Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Journal of the German Society of Dermatology, 17(8), 849–863.
* Draelos, Z. D. (2017). The science behind moisturizers. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 77(4S1), S1–S8.
* Held, E., Proksch, E., & Brasch, J. (2020). Repair of barrier dysfunction in patients with dry skin or atopic dermatitis. Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft = Journal of the German Society of Dermatology, 18(1), 16–23.
* Lundov, M. D., Agerbak, P., Johansen, J. D., Zachariae, C., Mortz, C. G., Borum, L., Jensen, P., & Agner, T. (2018). Impact of different types of moisturizers on the skin barrier function in patients with dry skin. Skin Research and Technology, 24(1), 101–108.
Q.
Persistent Itch? Why Your Skin Is Flaking & Ketoconazole Cream Next Steps
A.
Persistent itch and flaking often come from simple dryness or from fungal conditions like ringworm, athlete’s foot, or seborrheic dermatitis, and ketoconazole cream helps only when fungus is the cause. There are several factors to consider, including how the rash looks and whether moisturizers help; see below for key signs that point to fungus versus dryness or eczema. For next steps, start with fragrance free moisturizers and a quick pattern check, then ask a clinician about ketoconazole if circular, well defined, or greasy scaly patches persist; seek urgent care for spreading redness, severe pain, fever, pus, or symptoms that do not improve, and find full how to use and side effect details below.
References:
* Borda, L. J., & Wikramanayake, T. C. (2015). Seborrheic Dermatitis: An Updated Review. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 16(1), 47–61. PMID: 25487862.
* Goldstein, B. G., & Goldstein, A. O. (2020). Management of common superficial fungal infections. BMJ, 369, m1173. PMID: 32341142.
* Dalgard, F., Gieler, U., Holm, J. Ø., Johns, T., & Svensson, Å. (2020). Chronic pruritus: what's new? Acta Dermato-Venereologica, 100(10), adv00142. PMID: 32442220.
* Hajar, T., Tsoi, L. C., & Gudjonsson, J. E. (2020). Skin barrier function and chronic pruritus. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 82(6), 1629–1638. PMID: 32423588.
* Velegraki, A., Gaitanis, G., & Summerbell, R. C. (2018). The Malassezia genus in skin and systemic diseases. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 31(3), e00057-17. PMID: 29848512.
Q.
Is Hyaluronic Acid Backfiring? Why Your Skin is Dehydrating + Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Hyaluronic acid can make skin feel drier if used in low humidity, if you skip sealing it with moisturizer, when your skin barrier is compromised, or when medical dry skin like xerosis is present. There are several factors to consider; key nuances and exceptions are explained below. Medically approved next steps include applying it to damp skin, sealing with a ceramide or petrolatum based moisturizer, easing off exfoliants and retinoids, using a humidifier, choosing multi weight formulas, and adding barrier repair ingredients like niacinamide, panthenol, or urea, with medical care if cracking, infection, severe itch, or persistent dryness occur; see below to understand more and choose the right next steps.
References:
* Heldt, N., & Hagemann, K. (2023). Humectants and their effect on the stratum corneum: a review. *International Journal of Cosmetic Science*, *45*(2), 143-157.
* Draelos, Z. D. (2010). Moisturizers: What they are and a practical approach to their use. *Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology*, *9*(2), 108-112.
* Proksch, E., Brandner, J. M., & Jensen, J. M. (2014). Environmental factors and skin barrier function: a review. *Journal of Clinical & Experimental Dermatology Research*, *5*(3), 1000212.
* Pavicic, T., et al. (2011). Hyaluronic acid in the treatment of dry skin: a literature review. *Journal of Dermatological Treatment*, *22*(4), 187-194.
* Gupta, S., Sharma, M., & Dube, M. (2019). Formulation of Topical Hyaluronic Acid for Enhanced Skin Delivery. *Current Drug Delivery*, *16*(3), 200-211.
Q.
Skin Feeling Parched? Why Your Hyaluronic Acid Is Failing & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Hyaluronic acid only holds water and can fail when you do not seal it in, the air is very dry, your skin barrier is compromised, or dryness is driven by conditions like xerosis, thyroid disease, diabetes, eczema, or medication effects. If your skin feels tight, stings with products, or stays flaky despite HA, these are important clues. Medically approved next steps include applying HA to damp skin then sealing with a ceramide rich moisturizer or petrolatum, simplifying your routine, using the soak and seal method, adding a humidifier, upgrading moisturizers, and seeing a clinician for severe itch, cracks, fatigue, or other systemic signs. There are several factors to consider; see below for complete guidance that can shape your next steps.
References:
* Kerscher M, Buntrock H, von der Lippe E, et al. Hyaluronic acid and water - a tricky relationship: The impact of environmental humidity on hyaluronic acid-based products. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021 Jul;20(7):2171-2178. doi: 10.1111/jocd.13886. Epub 2020 Dec 29. PMID: 33369408.
* Souto EB, Souto SB, Campos JRA, et al. Hyaluronic Acid: A Review of Its Benefits and Limitations in Dermal Fillers and Topical Applications. Pharmaceutics. 2023 Jul 19;15(7):1987. doi: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15071987. PMID: 37513753; PMCID: PMC10385966.
* Proksch E. Pathophysiology of dry skin. Hautarzt. 2016 Oct;67(10):794-799. doi: 10.1007/s00105-016-3881-2. PMID: 27620853.
* Lodén M. Topical moisturizers for the treatment of dry skin. G Ital Dermatol Venereol. 2019 Jun;154(3):289-297. doi: 10.23736/S0392-0488.19.06282-3. Epub 2019 Jan 10. PMID: 30628318.
* Hon KL, Kung JSC, Ng WGG, Leung TF. The role of moisturizers in the management of atopic dermatitis. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2016 Apr;17(2):167-78. doi: 10.1007/s40257-016-0182-3. PMID: 26868625.
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Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
Augustin M, Wilsmann-Theis D, Körber A, Kerscher M, Itschert G, Dippel M, Staubach P. Diagnosis and treatment of xerosis cutis - a position paper. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2019 Nov;17 Suppl 7:3-33. doi: 10.1111/ddg.13906. PMID: 31738016.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ddg.13906Amin R, Lechner A, Vogt A, Blume-Peytavi U, Kottner J. Molecular characterization of xerosis cutis: A systematic review. PLoS One. 2021 Dec 16;16(12):e0261253. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261253. PMID: 34914754; PMCID: PMC8675746.
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0261253