Causes Of Rough, Dry Skin Patches & How To Treat Them

Dry skin patch is a skin issue that is more common than you may think. Since it often shows up as rough, scaly patches that are present on the face and the backs of the arms, elbows, knees, feet, thighs, and neck with uneven, rough texture, it is usually a source of concern to those affected by it. Dry skin patches that feel coarse to the touch are often the result of dryness or a buildup of dead skin cells. And if you’re wondering what you can do to help reduce or clear these rough, dry skin patches, there are a few simple, yet effective steps you can take, beginning with a targeted skincare routine.

Causes Of Dry Skin Patches

Dry skin patches happen when the skin does not have all the water or naturally occurring oils it needs to maintain itself and remain soft and supple. It can also have many other causes, including cold and dry weather like Harmattan, the chemicals in some soaps and lotions, genetics, age, or a result of medical conditions, such as allergies, dermatitis, and psoriasis.

Symptoms Of Dry Skin Patches

Dry skin patches can look different for different people. They can often be red, white, or brown in colour, with a dull, scaly, and flaky appearance depending on their root cause. Some patches may be smaller and limited to one area, while others can have a larger, irregular-shaped appearance that covers multiple areas of the body.

Some symptoms can range from mild to severe, and may include:

• Patches of itchy or scaly skin,
• Skin that stings or burns,
• Peeling skin
• Cracks in the skin,
• Loose, wrinkled skin, and
• Flaky skin with a rough texture.

Sometimes, the colour of rough skin patches can point to their cause. But generally, only a dermatologist can make an accurate diagnosis. If you experience dry patchy skin that cracks, bleeds, or is painful, it’s important to seek prompt medical attention.

Prevention Of Dry Skin Patches

There are lots of ways to treat dry patches but we’ll start with the things that you need to avoid when you have such skin issues, such as:

• Long, hot showers.
• Harsh soaps.
• Over-scrubbing and over-exfoliation.
• Fragranced products.
• Rough fabrics and tight clothes.
• Excessive handwashing.
• Dehydration.
• Poor nutrition.
• Products that contain alcohol.

Treatment Of Dry Skin Patches

Now that you’re avoiding these things, you also need to use ingredients that help soothe the skin, maintain the skin’s barrier (like body balms), and provide gentle exfoliation (such as the Kanda Charcoal Soap). When used together as part of a consistent, well-rounded skincare routine, this combination of hydration and exfoliation can help improve the look and feel of dry, rough skin patches. You should also:

• Apply moisturiser regularly.
• Prioritise body care products with moisturising formulas.
• Protect your skin from harsh weather.

Products And Ingredients That Improve Dry Skin Patches

Drinking plenty of water and using a moisturiser regularly can treat many cases of dry skin patches. Dermatologists often recommend using a cream or ointment throughout the day to relieve dry skin as these tend to be more effective than lotions. When shopping for products, look for ingredients such as:

• Jojoba oil.
• Glycerin.
• Mineral oil.
• Petrolatum.
• Shea butter.
• Mango butter.

Generally, daily use of products that are specially formulated for rough and bumpy skin can help restore the appearance of smooth, soft skin. However, if a combination of exfoliating and hydrating skincare products doesn’t help improve the appearance of dry patches, or you think your rough skin may be a sign of a skin condition, it’s best to seek the help of a dermatologist. They can diagnose the root cause of dry skin patches and suggest additional treatment options.