Patches of dry skin may be caused by environmental irritants like dry air. However, they can also be a symptom of health conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and athlete’s foot.
Dry skin patches may cause certain body areas to feel rough, scaly, and itchy. Sometimes, dry skin patches may also crack, which could be painful and irritating.
While dry skin patches can crop up anywhere, they most often appear on the:
- elbows
- lower arms
- hands or wrists
- feet or ankles
- chest
- knees or lower legs
- face
- eyelids
Patches of dry skin may have several possible causes. These range from short-term exposure to dry weather and environmental irritants to chronic conditions that could require medical treatment.
Keep reading to learn more about the causes of dry skin patches and how you can treat them.
Contact dermatitis is a condition that occurs when you come into contact with a substance that causes a skin reaction. It often causes a discolored, itchy rash.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), contact dermatitis most commonly develops on the hands because they’re most likely to touch irritants or allergens.
Some common triggers for contact dermatitis include:
- perfumes
- chemicals in skin care or makeup products
- latex
- gold or nickel jewelry
- poison ivy or poison oak
Treatment
The best way to treat contact dermatitis is to avoid coming into contact with the irritant or allergen.
A healthcare professional may also recommend several treatments to help relieve symptoms, including:
- natural remedies, such as cool compresses
- over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as topical creams
- prescription medications, such as steroid creams
Learn more about treatment for contact dermatitis.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that
The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, but researchers have identified several triggers that may cause symptoms to flare up. These may include:
- stress
- smoking
- alcohol
- certain medications
- infections
- skin injuries
Treatment
Treatment for psoriasis will depend on several factors, such as the type of psoriasis and the severity of symptoms.
Your treatment plan may include a combination of:
- dietary and lifestyle changes
- natural remedies
- topical, oral, or injection medications
- light therapy
Learn more about psoriasis treatments.
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, causes dry, inflamed, and itchy skin patches that may range in color from reddish brown to grayish brown, depending on your skin color. These patches may crust over when you scratch them.
Eczema can occur at any age but is most common between ages 2 months and 5 years, according to the AAD.
Eczema tends to form on the:
Treatment
Treatment for eczema may include a combination of:
- natural remedies
- topical, oral, or injection medications
- light therapy
Learn more about treatment for eczema.
Athlete’s foot is caused by a fungal infection, which usually affects the area between your toes. Symptoms include a scaly rash that causes itching, stinging, or burning.
Athlete’s foot is contagious. It can be transmitted through sharing personal items or walking on floors where the fungus lives.
Treatment
Doctors usually recommend antifungal ointments or creams to help treat the infection.
Sometimes, dry, cool air can strip your skin of moisture and cause you to develop dry skin patches.
In the summer, higher humidity levels can help prevent your skin from drying out. However,
Treatment
Some ways to help you prevent dry skin patches from dry air include:
- using moisturizers, creams, and emollients
- using a humidifier in your home to add moisture to the air
- wearing sunscreen in sunny weather
- covering up your skin in cold weather
- staying well hydrated
Not consuming enough calcium, vitamin D, or vitamin E
Treatment
Dry patches caused by nutritional deficiencies may be an indication of a deficiency that could cause harm.
A healthcare professional may suggest eating a more well-balanced diet and taking certain supplements.
Some lifestyle and dietary factors may also lead to patches of dry skin. These may include:
- dehydration
- smoking
- stress
- older age
- using harsh soaps, perfumes, or antiperspirants
- taking long, hot baths or showers
Treatment
Some lifestyle factors that could help you prevent patches of dry skin include:
- staying well hydrated
- using fragrance-free soaps and detergents
- trying stress-relieving activities, such as yoga, exercise, and meditation
- quitting smoking, if you smoke
Some conditions may affect babies and toddlers specifically.
For instance, cradle cap is a common condition in babies and toddlers that causes itchy, discolored skin to form on the scalp, face, and chest.
Similarly, babies may develop diaper rash due to irritation caused by diapers and baby creams.
Treatment
Treatment for cradle cap may include a combination of special shampoos, creams, and natural remedies.
Treatment for diaper rash involves maintaining proper hygiene, such as changing diapers often and keeping the area clean and dry. Some soothing creams may also help relieve symptoms.
Speak with a healthcare professional if your dry skin becomes severe, doesn’t go away, or impacts your daily activities.
Seeking out early treatment for your skin condition may lead to a better outcome.
A doctor will start by performing a physical examination of your dry skin patches and asking about your medical history.
They’ll likely refer you to a dermatologist, a healthcare professional specializing in skin issues.
Depending on the possible condition, you might need lab tests or skin biopsies.
Some tips to help you prevent patches of dry skin from developing include:
- using moisturizers to keep your skin hydrated
- limiting the time you spend bathing
- taking showers and baths in warm or lukewarm water instead of hot water
- using a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your home
- covering up your skin, especially in cold or sunny weather
- avoiding itching or rubbing your dry skin
- drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day
Learn more about how to prevent dry skin.
Why am I getting dry patches on my skin?
You may suddenly develop dry patches if you’re exposed to an irritant, such as certain soaps, perfumes, plants, or dry air. Dry patches may also indicate a skin condition, such as psoriasis, athlete’s foot, or eczema.
What does a dry skin patch look like?
A dry skin patch may cause the skin of a certain area to look inflamed, discolored, dry, flaky, crusty, and cracked. You may also experience itchiness.
How do you make dry patches go away?
Treatment for dry patches will depend on the underlying cause but may include a combination of creams, ointments, medications, light therapy, and natural remedies.
What is a dry patch that won’t go away?
A dry patch of skin that won’t go away may be a sign of a skin condition like psoriasis or eczema. It may also indicate constant exposure to an irritant or allergen, such as hand soap, cigarette smoke, or dry air.
Dry patches of skin can have many possible causes. You may have a skin condition, or the dryness could be related to other habits or things you’re exposed to.
Symptoms can usually be effectively managed with the right medications or home remedies. Speak with a doctor if the dry patches start to bother you or get worse.