Board-Certified Dermatologist | 34+ Years Experience
Dry skin is a common dermatologic concern that occurs when the skin loses too much moisture. Medically known as xerosis, dry skin can cause roughness, flaking, tightness, itching, scaling, or irritation.
Dry skin may be temporary or persistent and can affect any part of the body. In some cases, persistent dryness may be related to an underlying skin condition such as eczema, psoriasis, or contact dermatitis.
At Yolanda C. Holmes, M.D., P.C., Dr. Holmes provides personalized evaluation and treatment for dry skin in Washington, DC. As a board-certified dermatologist with more than 34 years of experience and a focus on skin of color, Dr. Holmes considers the severity, location, appearance, symptoms, and potential causes of dry skin when developing an appropriate treatment plan.
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Dry skin, or xerosis, occurs when the skin does not retain enough moisture.
The outermost layer of the skin normally helps maintain hydration and protect the body from environmental factors. When this barrier becomes less effective, water can escape from the skin more easily, resulting in dryness and irritation.
Dry skin can affect anyone, but it may become more common with age and during periods of cold, dry weather.
It can range from mild dryness to severely dry, cracked, or irritated skin.
Dry skin can appear differently depending on the severity and the individual's natural skin tone.
Common signs include:
On darker skin tones, dryness or inflammation may not always appear bright red. The affected area may instead appear gray, purple, brown, darker, or lighter than the surrounding skin.
Dry skin can occur anywhere on the body.
Common areas include:
Hands and feet may become particularly dry because of frequent washing, exposure to water, environmental conditions, or friction.
Dry skin can have many possible causes.
Common contributing factors include:
Sometimes there is no single identifiable cause.
Yes.
Cold, dry air can reduce moisture in the skin and contribute to xerosis. Indoor heating during colder months can also reduce humidity and make dryness worse.
Hot weather can contribute to dryness in some people as well, particularly when combined with frequent bathing, air conditioning, sun exposure, or certain skincare products.
Yes.
Hot water can remove some of the skin's natural oils and may weaken the skin barrier, particularly when bathing is frequent or prolonged.
For people prone to dry skin, shorter showers or baths using lukewarm rather than very hot water may help reduce irritation.
Consider scheduling a dermatology evaluation if your dry skin:
Persistent dryness may sometimes be a sign of an underlying skin condition rather than simple xerosis.
Dryness can affect people of every skin tone.
However, dry or inflamed skin may appear differently depending on natural pigmentation. On darker skin tones, inflammation may be less visibly red and can sometimes appear gray, purple, brown, or darker than the surrounding skin.
Dryness can also make areas of uneven pigmentation more noticeable.
With a focus on skin of color, Dr. Holmes considers the patient's natural skin tone, pigmentation, skin barrier, symptoms, and individual characteristics when evaluating dry skin and related conditions.
Learn more about Dermatology for Skin of Color in Washington, DC →
Most cases of dry skin can be diagnosed through a dermatologic examination and medical history.
Dr. Holmes may consider:
Additional testing is not usually necessary for straightforward dry skin.
However, if the appearance or symptoms suggest another underlying condition, additional evaluation may be appropriate.
Treatment for dry skin focuses on restoring moisture and supporting the skin barrier while addressing any underlying cause.
Depending on the severity and cause, treatment may include:
The appropriate treatment depends on whether the dryness is simple xerosis or part of another dermatologic condition.
Dr. Holmes will evaluate your skin and recommend an individualized treatment approach based on the severity and underlying cause of your symptoms.
Moisturizers are an important part of managing dry skin.
Different types of moisturizers work in different ways.
Occlusive ingredients help reduce water loss from the skin by forming a protective layer over the surface.
Examples include petrolatum and certain oils.
Humectants help attract and retain water in the outer layers of the skin.
Examples include glycerin and hyaluronic acid.
Emollients help smooth rough areas and fill spaces between skin cells, making the skin feel softer.
A dermatologist can help determine which type of moisturizer may be most appropriate depending on your skin and the severity of dryness.
A consistent skincare routine can help maintain the skin barrier.
Helpful practices may include:
For very dry skin, creams and ointments may provide more moisture than lightweight lotions.
Yes.
Itching is one of the most common symptoms of dry skin.
When the skin barrier becomes compromised, nerve endings may become more sensitive to environmental irritants, contributing to itching and discomfort.
Repeated scratching can further damage the skin and may lead to inflammation, thickening, or infection.
If itching is severe or persistent, a dermatologist can determine whether another skin condition may be contributing to the symptoms.
Severely dry skin can develop cracks or fissures.
These cracks are particularly common on:
Deep cracks can become painful and may increase the risk of infection.
If dry skin is repeatedly cracking or bleeding despite regular moisturizing, professional evaluation may be appropriate.
Dry skin and eczema can look similar, but they are not the same condition.
Simple xerosis primarily involves loss of moisture from the skin, while eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that can cause itching, dryness, scaling, and other changes.
Some people with eczema also experience significant dry skin.
If dryness is persistent, severely itchy, inflamed, or associated with a recurring rash, a dermatologist can determine whether eczema or another condition may be involved.
Learn more about Eczema Treatment in Washington, DC →
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition that can cause thickened, scaly patches of skin.
Although psoriasis can cause dryness and scaling, the treatment approach differs from simple xerosis.
A dermatologist can distinguish between ordinary dry skin and inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis based on the appearance, location, symptoms, and history.
Learn more about Psoriasis Treatment in Washington, DC →
Yes.
Some medications can contribute to skin dryness or make existing dryness worse.
If you notice significant dryness after starting a medication, discuss the symptom with your healthcare provider rather than stopping the medication on your own.
A dermatologist can also evaluate the skin and recommend appropriate supportive treatment.
Sometimes.
Persistent or unusually severe dry skin can occur alongside certain medical conditions.
Depending on the situation, a dermatologist may consider whether symptoms could be associated with:
Most dry skin is not caused by a serious underlying disease. However, persistent or unexplained changes may warrant professional evaluation.
Dry skin becomes increasingly common with age.
As people get older, the skin may produce less oil and become less effective at retaining moisture. This can contribute to increased dryness, itching, scaling, and sensitivity.
A consistent moisturizing routine and gentle skin care can help support the skin barrier.
If dryness becomes severe or develops suddenly, dermatologic evaluation can help identify whether another condition is contributing.
Dry skin cannot always be completely prevented, but certain habits may help reduce it.
Helpful measures include:
If you repeatedly experience severe dryness despite these measures, a dermatologist can evaluate the underlying cause.
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Board-Certified Dermatologist
with 34+ years of experience
Comprehensive Skin Evaluation
to distinguish simple dryness from underlying skin conditions
Individualized Treatment Plans
based on the severity, location, symptoms, and potential cause of dry skin
Experience with All Skin Types
including patients with skin of color
Convenient Location
1737 20th Street NW, Washington, DC
Recognized
2025 Best Dermatologist in Dupont Circle
Dr. Yolanda C. Holmes is a board-certified dermatologist with more than 34 years of experience serving patients in Washington, DC.
She provides individualized evaluation and treatment for dry skin, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, and other dermatologic concerns. Dr. Holmes considers the appearance, severity, symptoms, distribution, and potential underlying causes when determining whether treatment or additional evaluation may be appropriate.
With a focus on skin of color, Dr. Holmes considers each patient's natural pigmentation and individual skin characteristics when evaluating dryness, inflammation, and other skin conditions.
Learn more about Dr. Holmes →
If your skin is persistently dry, itchy, cracked, or irritated despite regular moisturizing, a dermatology evaluation can help determine whether you are experiencing simple xerosis or an underlying skin condition. An accurate diagnosis can help guide an appropriate treatment plan and improve the health and comfort of your skin.
Schedule a Dry Skin Evaluation in Washington, DC
