Dry skin (xerosis) is skin that has lost water and the oils that hold it in, leaving it rough, tight, flaky, and often itchy. It is extremely common, especially in winter, with age, and in people with eczema. Severe dryness is also one of the most frequent side effects of cancer treatment, particularly targeted therapies such as EGFR inhibitors, and of isotretinoin. Left untreated, dry skin cracks, itches, and becomes a doorway for infection and eczema.

What causes dry skin?

Cold, dry air, hot showers, harsh soaps, and aging skin all reduce the barrier's ability to hold moisture. Medical causes include atopic dermatitis, hypothyroidism, kidney disease, diabetes, and medications including retinoids, diuretics, and many cancer therapies.

What are the signs dry skin needs treatment?

Cracking or fissures, especially on hands and feet; redness and itching; scaling that does not improve with moisturizer; or dryness that started with a new medication. In patients on cancer therapy, dryness often precedes a more significant rash and should be reported early.

How is dry skin treated?

Thick, fragrance-free emollients applied to damp skin, shorter lukewarm showers, gentle cleansers, and a humidifier. Prescription creams with urea or lactic acid help thick scale, and short courses of topical steroids treat the eczema that dryness triggers. In cancer patients, a preventive skin regimen started before therapy reduces severity.

How Tono treats dry skin

Tono's board-certified dermatologists see patients with dry skin within days, not months, by video visit in 33 states and in person at Tono clinical centers. Our supportive oncodermatology program starts a preventive skin regimen before or at the start of cancer therapy, which is when it works best. For everyone else, one visit usually produces a regimen that resolves the problem. Your visit ends with a written plan, prescriptions sent to your pharmacy, and follow-up scheduled with the same dermatologist. Most insurance is accepted and no referral is required.

When should I see a dermatologist for dry skin?

See a dermatologist if dry skin cracks, bleeds, or itches enough to disrupt sleep, if it has not improved with two weeks of daily moisturizer, or if it began with a new medication.