If you frequently see dry patches of skin on your elbows, lower arms, knees, feet, and eyelids, you're not alone. 

This is a rather common occurrence, especially when the skin is exposed to cold temperatures and low moisture levels in the air. 

In such cases, using a moisturizing cream is usually enough to soothe and clear the patches. Some people, however, experience chronic dry skin, which might indicate an underlying medical condition that could benefit from treatment.

This article discusses some common medical conditions and other factors that can cause dry skin patches on the body and how to deal with them effectively.

Table of Contents:

• What causes dry skin patches on the body?
• Skin diseases that can cause dry skin
• Treatments for dry skin patches
• All-natural products best-suited for dry skin

What causes dry skin patches on the body?

You might be suffering from dry skin patches because of the following reasons:

Age

Older people are more prone to dry patches due to natural skin changes. As you age, sweat and oil glands dry up, and the skin loses fat and elasticity, causing it to become thinner and drier.

Climate

People who live in desert-like environments with little to no humidity are often likely to experience dry skin.

Genetics

Certain inherited skin conditions like eczema can also cause dry skin.

Health Conditions

Poor nutrition, dehydration, and some illnesses, including kidney disease and diabetes, can lead to dry, itchy skin.

Habits

You are more prone to developing dry skin if you wash your hands frequently or bathe more than once a day. 

The issue has been exacerbated among most populations these days because of vigorous hand washing.

Skin diseases that can cause dry skin

Contact Dermatitis

As the name implies, this type of dermatitis results from contact with an allergen, such as animal dander or poison ivy. 

It commonly occurs on exposed areas of the skin, like the hands and face, prompting dry, red, and scaly patches along with the possibility of hives, itching, and blisters. 

In most cases, contact dermatitis clears up on its own. You can prevent further reactions by identifying what triggered the issue and avoiding it in the future.

Eczema

Eczema is a chronic skin disorder that ordinarily affects children. The exact cause still remains unclear, but genetic and environmental factors are believed to play significant roles. 

The symptoms of eczema appear on the cheeks, arms, and legs and manifest in the form of dry, irritated skin, rashes, and itchiness.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common autoimmune disorder affecting the skin, with more than 125 million people worldwide diagnosed with the condition. 

It can affect the entire body and cause symptoms like red, scaly skin, itchiness, and discoloration of the fingernails and toenails.

Ichthyosis

Ichthyosis refers to a group of genetic disorders that cause dry, scaly skin. 

Most forms of Ichthyosis are sporadic, and a majority of the people develop the mildest form: Ichthyosis Vulgaris. Characterized by dry, itchy, and flaky skin, sometimes it might result in mild thickening, too.

Treatments for dry skin patches

There are a plethora of ways for you to treat dry skin patches. Home remedies include:

• Exfoliate with a scrub, loofah, or pumice stone to remove dead skin cells on the recommendation of a doctor.
• Apply an ointment and moisturizing cream on a regular basis, ideally using products that contain humectants, ceramides, and emollients.
• Use a humidifier to enhance the moisture in a room if you live in a dry environment.
• Cold-compress the affected area.
• Apply baby oil when the skin is damp after a shower.
• Avoid scalding water when showering or bathing. While you're at it, limit baths and showers to once a day.
• Keep your skin covered up as often as possible, especially in sunny or cold weather.
• Avoid rubbing the dry areas of your skin.
• Be sure to keep drinking water and other healthy fluids to stay hydrated throughout the day.

If you are dealing with severe symptoms, you can try using prescription medicines, including topical treatments like creams containing alpha-hydroxy acids and retinoids. 

They can also be infused with steroids like hydrocortisone, antibiotics, topical antiseptics, and antihistamines.

All-natural products best-suited for dry skin

WOW's Apple Cider Vinegar Foaming Body Wash provides your skin with the triple benefits of cleansing, toning, and balancing. The concoction works wonders with abundant beneficial nutrients like Shea Butter and vitamin E and makes your skin flourish. With the tangy, fruit-tart notes of Apple Cider Vinegar, the body wash makes for an ideal bath and shower partner.

The WOW Skin Science Strawberry & Peach Body Wash comes with a beautifully sweet and fruity fragrance while providing the benefits of vitamin E, Shea Butter, and Peach Kernel Oil. The Shea Butter helps moisturize your skin and assists with reducing skin blemishes and marks. Additionally, vitamin E is known to act as a natural antioxidant that plays a vital role in diminishing the amount of damage caused by excessive UV exposure. The Peach Kernel Oil lends moisture to your skin and subdues signs of aging.

The lightweight, non-greasy Coconut Milk & Argan Oil Lotion is the perfect everyday moisturizer suitable for all skin types. It is specially formulated to shield you from outside elements and brings you the best plant-powered nourishment in one complete package. 

Energize dry skin and perk up your senses with the exotic-smelling WOW Skin Science Himalayan Rose Body Butter that delivers the goodness of minerals in rose water to balance your skin and improve suppleness. The soothing properties of rose water tone the skin and brighten the complexion, while the skin-repairing properties of rose essential oil protect skin damage caused by exposure to UV rays and environmental pollutants.

Dry skin feels exceptionally itchy and uncomfortable. The great news is that it's manageable and creates few long-term problems when taken care of early. 

You can explore a wide range of natural and cruelty-free skincare products at WOW Skin Science today and intercept the issue before it gets too bad. 

In case of severe symptoms, your healthcare provider can prescribe other medications and offer more specific tips to treat the problem.

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/health/skin/dry-skin-patches#outlook

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323973#summary