ABOUT 
Dry skin is more than an inconvenience; chronic dryness can compromise the skin’s protective barrier, leading to painful cracking, itching, and an increased risk of infection. At Preston Dermatology, we accurately diagnose the underlying causes of your dry skin—whether environmental, genetic, or symptomatic of an underlying medical condition—and build a restorative care plan to replenish moisture, repair your skin barrier, and bring lasting comfort.
Overview
Dry skin is more than an inconvenience; chronic dryness can compromise the skin’s protective barrier, leading to painful cracking, itching, and an increased risk of infection. At Preston Dermatology, we accurately diagnose the underlying causes of your dry skin—whether environmental, genetic, or symptomatic of an underlying medical condition—and build a restorative care plan to replenish moisture, repair your skin barrier, and bring lasting comfort.
Causes and Risk Factors
Low humidity environments, frequent bathing in hot water, harsh soaps or detergents, aging, genetic predisposition, and underlying medical conditions like hypothyroidism or diabetes.
Treatments
Prescription emollient creams, topical steroid ointments (for associated inflammation), barrier-repair creams, ceramide-rich moisturizers, and guidance on lifestyle and bathing modifications.
Concerns
Flaking, scaling, roughness, skin tightness (especially after bathing), itching (pruritus), fine cracks, and painful deep fissures that may bleed.
Body Areas
Legs, arms, hands, feet, face, and torso.