What do you mean by dryness in leg skin?
The skin serves as the front-line protection for the body. It prevents hazardous pathogens like viruses and bacteria from entering the body. It also shields individuals from other foreign elements.
Dry skin is not a severe health complaint. It is quite a common issue you will often encounter when the top layer of the skin is devoid of enough hydration from the body's natural oils. Dry skin leaves your skin flaky, cracking and patchy.
Dry skin on the legs is relatively frequent, often rather painful. Though this problem is more severe in people with naturally dry skin, it can affect anybody with normal skin.
Following the same skincare regime around the year may not be as effective when the humidity reduces. Dry air can accentuate fine lines and wrinkles if you do not adjust your skincare routine. Skin that is dry and irritated can peel, split and even bleed. Senior citizens are more prone to dry skin than youngsters.
However, dryness can be extreme at times, indicating an underlying skin problem or health condition. If the dryness is so severe that it interferes with your ability to work or sleep, if the skin cracks or bleeds, or if prescription medications are not working, consult your primary care doctor or a certified dermatologist.
What are the general dry skin complaints?
Athlete's foot
If your feet are dry, you may have an athlete's foot. This fungus-caused ailment can cause the soles of your feet to become dry and look scaly.
Contact dermatitis
It occurs when some foreign bodies come in close contact with your skin and causes an allergic response. Your skin may become dry, itchy and red. You may also get a rash. It can happen with cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, detergents or metal in jewellery (nickel).
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
If you have dry, red and itchy skin, you may have Eczema. It might also cause your skin to break out. You can inherit this skin disease from your parents, but allergies, stress and other irritants can aggravate it.
Seborrheic dermatitis
Dandruff can be caused by Seborrheic Dermatitis, which occurs when your scalp is very dry. (When newborns have it, it is known as cradle cap.) Dry, flaky skin on your arms, legs, groin, face, ears or at your bellybutton is also possible. This dermatitis is caused by your body's reaction to a common yeast that develops on your skin.
What are the common symptoms of dry leg skin?
Dry leg skin can be different for everyone because the symptoms vary depending on your health, age and the reason for your dry skin. However, if you have dry leg skin, you are likely to have the following symptoms in your legs:
- Skin flaws (the cracks could be deep and bleed)
- Itching
- Peeling, flaking or scaling
- Redness
- Rough skin, or skin that is grey and ashy
- Tight skin, especially after being in the bathing, showering or swimming.
What may be the causes of dry leg skin?
You are prone to dry leg skin due to various reasons. Let us have a quick review of the causes of dry leg skin.
Age
Due to natural skin changes, older persons are more prone to dry skin. Oil and sweat glands dry up as you age, and your skin loses fat and suppleness, causing it to thin. This might lead to dryness on your legs.
Genetics
Some people inherit skin diseases that cause dry skin, such as Eczema.
According to a study, mutations in genes that affect the synthesis of the protein filaggrin, which is involved in the formation and hydration of the skin barrier, can result in various skin diseases, including dry leg skin.
Climate
People who live in arid, desert-like regions are more prone to dry skin because the air has less moisture or humidity.
Diseases
Certain disorders, such as Diabetes, Thyroid diseases and renal diseases, can produce dry and itchy skin.
How to combat/prevent dry leg skin?
Dry leg skin usually responds favorably to lifestyle changes such as using moisturisers and avoiding long, hot showers and baths. If your skin is extremely dry and scaly, your doctor may advise you to use an over-the-counter (nonprescription) moisturiser containing lactic acid or lactic acid with urea.
Suppose you have a more severe skin disease, such as Atopic Dermatitis, Ichthyosis or Psoriasis. In that case, your doctor may prescribe skin-care creams and ointments, as well as additional therapies, in addition to home care.
Dry skin can sometimes develop into Dermatitis, which produces red and itchy skin. In certain circumstances, hydrocortisone-containing creams may be used as therapy. If your skin splits open, your doctor may advise you to use moist dressings to avoid infection.
To protect your legs from dryness, you can also try the following natural remedies:
- Moisturiser seals the skin, preventing water from escaping.
- Cleanse with a hydrating, fragrance-free soap.
- Gentle skin cleansers and shower gels with added moisturisers are all viable solutions.
- Massage gently with coconut oil, which is rich in fatty acids and is beneficial to dry skin. After having a bath, generously apply coconut oil to your legs. For the most significant effects, repeat this medication daily.
- Apply a thick coating of petroleum jelly to your legs whenever you experience itching. Keep petroleum jelly handy - Petroleum jelly, often known as mineral oil, is a prevalent component in most moisturisers on the market today. When you apply petroleum jelly to your legs, it acts as a barrier. It relieves itching and moisturises your skin.
- Honey, with its many qualities, may be an excellent skin moisturiser. It moisturises the skin and softens and supples it. To treat dry skin, use raw honey. Apply a raw honey mask to your face and let it on for 20-30 minutes. Rinse it under running water.
- Cover as much of your skin as possible when chilly or windy.
- Control your stress levels (it can aggravate Eczema and other skin conditions).
- Reduce sun exposure, which causes the skin's oils and moisture to evaporate.
- Moisturize as soon as you get out of the bath while your skin is still moist and supple.
- Using a soft cloth, pat the leg skin dry.
- Drink plenty of drinks to avoid dehydration and keep your skin moisturised.
- Quit smoking (nicotine reduces blood flow, which dries out skin).
- Dress in non-irritating clothing. Wear silk or cotton underneath garments made of wool or other tough fabrics.
- Make use of hypoallergenic washing detergent while washing your clothes.
- Avoid standing too near to fires and other heat sources that might cause the skin to dry up.
- In the winter, use a humidifier to replace moisture in the skin's top layer.
Key Takeaways
Apart from dull and patchy skin, another bee in your bonnet can be your dry leg skin. Dry skin on your legs can be caused by various reasons such as hot baths or showers, shaving, weather conditions, anything that depletes the skin's natural moisturisers and oils. So, while you cannot always prevent dry legs, it is curable with the proper procedures and treatments suggested by your dermatologist.
