What are the causes of dry skin?
In general, dry skin may be caused by aging, dry environment, contact dermatitis, psoriasis, Sjögren's syndrome, and other factors. If the above conditions occur, it is recommended to seek medical treatment promptly. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Aging
With advancing age, the skin's natural moisturizing factors decrease, and collagen and elastic fibers are lost, leading to thinner skin and reduced water retention capacity, which results in dry skin. It is important to drink plenty of water in daily life to maintain hydration.
2. Dry Environment
In low-humidity environments, such as heated indoor spaces during winter, moisture in the air decreases, accelerating evaporation of water from the skin surface, thereby causing dryness. Using a humidifier in daily life can help improve this condition.
3. Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis can be triggered by medications, foods, animal fur, plant fibers, and other factors. When the skin comes into contact with certain allergens or irritants, an inflammatory response occurs, damaging the skin barrier and increasing water loss, leading to dry skin. Symptoms may include redness, swelling, and itching. Patients should follow medical advice to use medications such as Loratadine tablets, Compound Chlorpheniramine Maleate tablets, and Hydrocortisone tablets.
4. Psoriasis
There are many causes of psoriasis, including infections, obesity, and smoking. An abnormal immune response causes rapid growth and accumulation of skin cells on the skin surface, forming scales, while simultaneously affecting the skin's moisturizing function, leading to dryness. Symptoms may include itching and pain. Treatment should be guided by a physician and may involve topical medications such as Halometasone cream, Mometasone Furoate cream, and Tretinoin cream.
5. Sjögren's Syndrome
Genetic factors, viral infections, and immune system disorders can all lead to Sjögren's syndrome. The immune system mistakenly attacks moist tissues in the body, such as salivary and lacrimal glands, causing dry mouth and dry eyes, while also affecting the skin's ability to retain moisture, thus causing the aforementioned symptoms. Symptoms may include dry mouth and dry eyes. Patients should follow medical advice to use medications such as Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate tablets, Total Glucosides of Paeony capsules, and Levamisole Hydrochloride tablets.
In daily life, it is important to maintain a balanced diet, consume sufficient water and nutrients, avoid staying in dry environments for prolonged periods, regularly moisturize the skin, and minimize contact with substances that may cause allergies or irritation, in order to maintain skin health and prevent dryness.