Dry skin is caused by the skin not having enough moisture in it, leaving you with dry, flaky, or scaly patches. It can occur anywhere on your body and may even lead to cracking, oozing, or bleeding.
Environmental causes of dry skin include:
- Age – As you grow older, your skin’s moisture-producing oil glands dry up.
- Climate, – Winter weather or any climate that lacks humidity can take a toll on your skin’s ability to retain hydration.
- Work – If your job requires a lot of outdoor work, or working with chemicals, it can cause dry skin.
Certain conditions can also cause dry skin, such as:
- Contact dermatitis – When your skin comes into contact with an irritant, causing it to become dry and itchy.
- Chronic skin conditions – Psoriasis and lupus are a few examples. These not only cause dry skin but also leave you with scaly patches.
- Health conditions – Diabetes and kidney disease can cause you to experience dry skin.









