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8 Dry Skin Treatments

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Skin, Hair & Nails related image Photo: Getty Images

7. Check your medications - Certain drugs, such as diuretics, which are used to treat high blood pressure, or acne medications such a Retin-A or benzoyl peroxide, can have a side effect of drying out the skin. If your dry skin persists, speak to your doctor to determine if the medication is the cause, and whether you can change the dose or switch to another drug.

8. Check medical conditions - Sometimes dry skin is part of a medical condition and other times it may be a hint that you are developing one. Eczema and psoriasis are common causes of dry skin and require careful, regular use of special moisturizers to treat and control.

Diabetics may develop dry skin due to fluctuations of glucose levels, so stabilizing sugar levels may help. Diabetics should also monitor their skin for any changes overall since they are more susceptible to skin infections and heal more slowly.

Hypothyroidism can contribute to dry skin. If dry skin is accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue or weight gain, it is best to be evaluated by a doctor.

Sources:

Dry Skin By Mayo Clinic staff. Retrieved Jan. 16, 2012.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dry-skin/DS00560/METHOD=print&DSECTION=all

What's Causing Your Dry Skin? Check these 11 common causes of dry skin.
By R. Morgan Griffin. WebMD Feature. Retrieved Jan. 16, 2012.
http://www.webmd.com/healthy-beauty/features/dry-skin-causes

Skin Care for Dry Skin. WebMD. Retrieved Jan. 16, 2012.
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/cosmetic-procedu...

Michele is an R.N. freelance writer with a special interest in woman’s healthcare and quality of care issues. Other articles by Michele are at www.helium.com/users/487540/show_articles

Edited by Jessica Obert

Add a Comment1 Comments

Carolyn Anthony

I use Cetaphil products all the time. They are really good for softening the skin.

March 5, 2012 - 10:59am

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Michele Blacksberg RN
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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.