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Dry or scaly skin

Also called: Xerosis, winter itch, flaky skin, rough skin

Dry or scaly skin happens when skin loses too much water and oil. It's very common, especially in winter, in older adults, and in people who bathe often in hot water. It usually gets better with moisturizer and gentler habits. See a provider if it's very itchy, cracked, or doesn't improve.

Common causesCold, dry air, hot showers, harsh soaps, aging, eczema
Usually serious?Usually not
Get checked ifItching keeps you up, the skin cracks or bleeds, or it doesn't improve
If you think it's an emergency, call 911.Thinking about suicide? Call or text 988.

Overview

Dry skin can feel rough, tight, and itchy, and it may look scaly, flaky, or have fine cracks. It's most common on the hands, feet, arms, and lower legs.

Dry skin is usually caused by the environment, like cold winter air, indoor heating, or hot, dry climates, and by bathing too often or in water that's too hot. As we age, skin gets thinner and makes less oil. Sometimes dry skin is a sign of a skin condition like eczema or psoriasis, or a health problem like an underactive thyroid or diabetes.

When to get medical care

Call 911Not an emergency.
Get care todayRed, swollen, warm, or oozing skin that may be infected. Widespread peeling skin with fever or blisters.
See a doctor soonItching without a visible rash. Dryness and itching that keep you from sleeping. Open cuts or sores from scratching. Self-care isn't helping after a couple of weeks. Thick, scaly patches, or dry skin with tiredness, weight gain, or feeling cold (possible thyroid problem).

Causes

Common causes include cold, dry winter air, indoor heating or air conditioning, hot, dry climates, long or hot showers and baths, harsh soaps and detergents, swimming in chlorinated pools, and aging. Other causes include eczema (atopic dermatitis), psoriasis, contact dermatitis, ichthyosis (an inherited condition), an underactive thyroid, diabetes, kidney disease, poor nutrition, and medicines like diuretics, acne medicines, and some cholesterol medicines.

OwieClear has pages on 4 conditions that can cause dry or scaly skin. Each shows how soon to get care.

Common causes

  • Dry skinOften treated at home

    Rough, flaky, itchy, or cracked skin, often worse in winter, with hot showers, and with age.

  • EczemaSee a doctor if it doesn't get better

    A long-term condition that causes dry, itchy, inflamed skin that flares up from time to time.

  • Psoriatic arthritisSee a doctor if it doesn't get better

    Arthritis linked to psoriasis, a skin condition with scaly patches.

Less likely causes

What you can do at home

  • Moisturize 2 to 3 times a day. Thick creams and ointments work better than thin lotions. Look for ceramides, urea, or lactic acid.
  • Apply moisturizer to damp skin right after bathing. Pat skin dry instead of rubbing.
  • Keep showers short and warm, 5 to 10 minutes, not hot. Bathe only once a day.
  • Use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers, and avoid products with alcohol, dyes, or perfumes.
  • Run a humidifier in dry weather.
  • Wear gloves in cold weather and when washing dishes or using cleaning products.
  • Try a cool compress on itchy spots, and don't scratch.

Medicines

Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can help inflamed, itchy areas for a short time. A provider may prescribe stronger moisturizers or steroid creams, or treat an underlying condition like eczema, psoriasis, or thyroid disease.

At the doctor

A provider can usually tell by looking at your skin.

Questions you may be asked

  • When the dryness started and where it is
  • Whether it's worse in certain seasons
  • How often and how long you bathe, and what soaps you use
  • Whether it itches, and whether you have a rash
  • Your medicines
  • Other symptoms, like tiredness, weight changes, or thirst

The exam

A look at all of your skin.

Tests

  • Usually none
  • Blood tests for thyroid, blood sugar, or kidney function if a health problem is suspected
  • A skin scraping or biopsy in unusual cases

Prevention

Simple habits keep skin from drying out.

  • Use lukewarm water and limit bath time
  • Moisturize right after bathing
  • Choose gentle, fragrance-free products
  • Use a humidifier in dry months
  • Protect skin from cold and wind

Check your symptoms

Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.

Start the symptom checker

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.