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Diseases » Dry skin » Causes

Causes of Dry skin



Contents

List of causes of Dry skin

Following is a list of causes or underlying conditions (see also Misdiagnosis of underlying causes of Dry skin) that could possibly cause Dry skin includes:

More causes: see full list of causes for Dry skin

Causes of Dry skin (Diseases Database):

The follow list shows some of the possible medical causes of Dry skin that are listed by the Diseases Database:

Source: Diseases Database

Dry skin as a complication of other conditions:

Other conditions that might have Dry skin as a complication may, potentially, be an underlying cause of Dry skin. Our database lists the following as having Dry skin as a complication of that condition:

Dry skin as a symptom:

Conditions listing Dry skin as a symptom may also be potential underlying causes of Dry skin. Our database lists the following as having Dry skin as a symptom of that condition:

Medications or substances causing Dry skin:

The following drugs, medications, substances or toxins are some of the possible causes of Dry skin as a symptom. This list is incomplete and various other drugs or substances may cause your symptoms. Always advise your doctor of any medications or treatments you are using, including prescription, over-the-counter, supplements, herbal or alternative treatments.

See full list of 406 medications causing Dry skin


Drug interactions causing Dry skin:

When combined, certain drugs, medications, substances or toxins may react causing Dry skin as a symptom.

The list below is incomplete and various other drugs or substances may cause your symptoms. Always advise your doctor of any medications or treatments you are using, including prescription, over-the-counter, supplements, herbal or alternative treatments.

Read more about medication causes of Dry skin

What causes Dry skin?

Article excerpts about the causes of Dry skin:
Low humidity — caused by overheating during the winter and air conditioning during the summer — contributes to dryness and itching. The loss of sweat and oil glands as you age also may worsen dry skin. Anything that further dries your skin — such as overuse of soaps, antiperspirants, perfumes, or hot baths — will make the problem worse. Dehydration, sun exposure, smoking, and stress also may cause dry skin. (Source: excerpt from Skin Care and Aging - Age Page - Health Information: NIA)

Medical news summaries relating to Dry skin:

The following medical news items are relevant to causes of Dry skin:

Related information on causes of Dry skin:

As with all medical conditions, there may be many causal factors. Further relevant information on causes of Dry skin may be found in:

Causes of Dry skin: Online Medical Books

16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the causes of Dry skin.

Dry Skin (Xerosis): Differential Diagnosis
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)

  • Dry skin is a very common problem
    –Low humidity and cold temperatures make winter xerosis and “winter itch” common complaints
    –Mild xerosis can cause impaired skin barrier function and allow irritants and allergens to more easily affect the skin
    –Most common on the legs, but often affecting the entire skin surface
    –Can present with severe pruritus without much evidence of a rash
  • Severe xerosis is common in the elderly, and can cause eczema craquelé
    –Patient's legs often have scale that resembles cracked porcelain
    –Secondary erythema and excoriations occur because of the persistent itch
  • Ichthyoses vulgaris
    –Very common cause of dry skin
    –A genetic defect in skin barrier function, leading to a higher risk of atopic dermatitis
    –Patients often have hyperlinearity of their palmar skin and xerotic fish scale on their legs
  • Many genetic conditions, such as the large family of ichthyoses (including X-linked ichthyoses, Netherton's disease), lead to severely dry skin in association with other systemic manifestations
  • Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can also cause marked xerosis and/or itch
  • Anemia
  • There is an uncommon association between lymphoma and marked xerosis
  • HIV
  • Sarcoidosis
  • Liver and biliary disease, and renal insufficiency, are commonly associated with xerosis and marked pruritus
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Medications (e.g., niacinamide)
  • Atopic dermatitis

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004


 » Next page: Symptoms of Dry skin

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