When it comes to a relatively benign condition such as dry skin, the main culprits tend to be factors that are within our control, though not always visible at first. For many, a condition like dry, irritated skin, can be influenced by things like unnecessary exposure to hot water, or current climates that lend themselves to drier air. But for some conditions of dry skin, such as in the case of keratosis pilaris, where dry skin is isolated mostly to the upper arm, the irritants are so easy to identify. Despite its name sounding like a serious medical condition, keratosis pilaris isn’t considered an immediate health concern, though some may want to seek treatment to hasten recovery and improve the appearance of their skin.
Symptoms
When your skin is merely drying out on your upper arms, you may notice some of these typical symptoms: red coloring, flaking skin, a feeling of tightness or restriction of movement, itching, a roughening of the skin’s texture. When skin irritation progresses and becomes more severe, skin may crack along the dry patches, and in come cases and even lead to bleeding. With keratosis pilaris, these symptoms are present, but the condition of the skin manifests much like the irritation from acne. These bumps on the skin may appear flesh-colored before they irritate and become inflamed, turning red and dry. Itchiness usually sets in on the upper arms when keratosis pilaris has matured.
Care From Home
Just because you have keratosis pilaris, or you think you do, there are steps you can take to treat the condition from home prior to seeking professional medical attention. Irrespective of the condition you may or may not have, when having dry skin, limit time spent in showers, especially with hot water. When skin is irritated, also limit unnecessary contact with your skin, including using unclean or roughly textured towels. Use of cleansers or lotions with alcohol or fragrances should also be restricted. When bathing, try to restrict your time in the shower to no more than fifteen minutes. When drying, apply a blotting method that limits abrasion against the skin. If using lotions and moisturizers, make sure that alcohol isn’t a main component to its list of ingredients. In addition to his, drinking sufficient water to remain healthily hydrated as it will help your skin from drying further.
Seeking Treatment
For most, a case of dry skin can be addressed by applying home remedies as soon as the condition is apparent. If there is no improvement in the skin’s color, irritation has progressed tot he point where sleeping and changing clothes becomes bothersome, or if sores begin to form on the affected areas, spreading further up the arm, seeking treatment from a doctor may be the best course of action to consider. If this is the case, it would also be the time to have your skin condition formally diagnosed, as it may be more complex than simple dry skin or keratosis pilaris. Keep in mind that either condition needing treatment isn’t genuinely necessary.
Treatment Options
Most with dry skin meet a medical professional for treatment when the dry skin becomes inflamed, reaching the point of atopic dermatitis. In most cases creams or lotions may be prescribed to address the inflammation. These most likely will contain corticosteroid to help regulate your body’s immune response. If the condition is less severe, and you are diagnosed with keratosis pilaris, topical ointments with retinoids may be selected to lessen irritation. In either case, most conditions of dry skin come with a duration and eventually pass with the proper hygiene maintenance.