Dry Skin

Diagnosis

Dry skin can usually be diagnosed on the basis of the signs and symptoms noted during a medical history and skin exam. The diagnosis of simple dry skin begins with a medical history that covers existing medical conditions, family factors, occupation, use of prescription drugs, and daily skin-care habits. A skin exam can confirm the presence of dry skin and help determine if dry skin has a common or a more complex cause.

Tests may be needed to distinguish simple dry skin from other conditions for which dry skin is a symptom. Dry skin can be a symptom of a variety of other skin conditions, including eczema , ichthyosis, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, and certain infections. If your doctor suspects that dry skin is a symptom of one of these conditions, he or she may recommend tests such as patch tests (skin tests for allergies) and a skin biopsy (collection of a small sample of skin tissue for analysis).

A general physical exam and additional tests may be necessary to determine if an underlying medical condition is causing dry skin. Dry skin can be a symptom of underlying medical conditions. If dry skin has unusual features, or if a doctor suspects that dry skin is being caused by an underlying medical condition, he or she will probably perform a general medical exam and request additional tests. These tests may include standard blood and urine tests plus specialized tests such as tests of thyroid function.

Prevention and Screening

Many of the measures used to prevent dry skin are the same measures used to treat dry skin. The measures used to treat dry skin can also prevent dry skin if they are used before the characteristic signs and symptoms of dry skin appear. These measures include avoiding factors that injure the stratum corneum; modifying bathing habits; using moisturizers regularly; and taking steps to increase the humidity level of living areas.