Dry skin is a condition that causes the skin to be red, scaly and itchy. The condition tends to appear or get worse during winter as the cold and dry air causes the humidity to drop. People become more susceptible to the problem as they age and the skin loses it natural moisturizing oils. It most common on the legs, arms, hands and face but can appear on other sections of the body.

As people become older, the skinâ??s ability to contain moisture lessens due to a decline in the number of sebaceous glands. These glands provide the oily layer that moisturizers the skin naturally. Genetics are also a factor with dry skin being passed down the generations.

Treatments for dry skin involve looking at what factors in the environment are contributing to the problem. If you have a central heating system that is drying out the air then a humidifier can help replace the moisture. A protective layer of oil based moisturizing lotion can also be effective.

Your doctor can recommend certain creams that are specifically designed to treat dry skin. He or she can also take a look at the bath products that you use and whether they are contributing to your problem.