Why Do Dry Skin Patches And Cracks Form

Can’t figure out how to cure patchy and dry skin? Your skin may be soft most of the time, but it’s bound to get dry now and again especially in winter. Appearance of fine lines, patches and cracks can make dry skin rather unsightly. Each of us experiences this, although we wish not to.

While dehydration, nutritional deficiencies, exposure to the sun, winter and other harsh elements are some of the usual reasons for dry skin. Sometimes, the usage of cosmetics and soaps which have harsh chemicals can also cause dry skin patches. Though the market is flooded with dozens of creams and lotions that have great claims, only few actually work. But if you are not aware of the reason why do they form, how will you be able to cure it?

Therefore, it is very important to first know why dry skin patches on face and the rest of the body form? So, in this article I am going to share the reasons behind the occurrence and formation of dry skin patches and cracks.

Causes For Dry Skin Patches On Body

1. Environmental Aggressions:

Environment can be the biggest rival of your dry skin. The high and low levels of moisture can make your skin dry. This mostly happens in winters, when level of moisture in air is very low. Prolonged exposure to sun can also damage the top layer of skin causing skin patches and cracking. Sometimes artificial climatic conditions are also one of the biggest reasons behind dry skin patches and cracks. Air conditioning or central heating reduces humidity from the room which may cause you patches and cracks.

2. Usage of Cosmetics:

Harsh chemically treated cosmetics, soaps, body washes and detergents can snatch away body’s moisture making it dry and rough. Even shampoos can lead to itchy and patchy scalp. Our facial area is very delicate, so it gets affected very quickly when comes in contact with wrong and harsh cosmetics.

3. Wrong Bathing:

Steamy and hot shower makes us feels wonderful. Even I love taking them. But they also make the dry skin condition even worse. Standing for a very long time under shower can cause the skin to dry out leaving skin patches and cracks on your skin. Therefore, making it look ugly and coarse. Scrubbing with your towel right after taking the shower can also strip off the moisture from your body. So next time be careful.

4. Some Medical Conditions:

There are some medical conditions too, that can lead to dry skin patches and cracked skin. The three major medical conditions are as follows:

a. Eczema:

This is a very common condition which is also known as seborrheic dermatitis. It causes dry skin patches and cracks. Eczema can be caused due to hormonal, genetic or coarse environmental factors. If Eczema is the reason behind your patches and cracks, you should only use medicated products after consulting a skin specialist.

b. Hypothyroidism:

This is a thyroid disorder. It is a condition where body lacks sufficient thyroid hormone, which slows down the metabolism of the body. The skin patches and cracks are also accompanied by paleness and roughness

c. Psoriasis:

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease which is cause due to T cell or T lymphocyte which is a type of white blood cell or WBC. Here, this cell attacks the healthy skin cells causing patches, cracks, discoloration of nails and skin inflammation. Stress, excessive consumption of alcohol, smoking or skin infections can trigger this disease leaving it make become more severe.

So these were some of the major causes behind the occurrence and formation of dry skin patches and dry skin cracks. The environmental causes, cosmetic causes and wrong bathing procedures can be cured by using good and medicated products and following a good dry skin care regime.

Although in many situations, an extra dose of Vitamin E, a good quality moisturizer and a mild fragrance-free soap can be helpful. But if it is due to the medical conditions, you should surely consult a good skin specialist.