What causes flaky skin on legs? A look at the dry skin on legs, looks like scales, snakeskin, pictures, causes, home remedies, itchy and how to get rid.
Dry Skin on Legs Causes
- Winter Weather
When the temperature level drops, then the humidity level drops also. Dry air normally leaves the skin parched. Once the weather begins to change, patients are seen complaining of dry, itchy skin.
Turning up the thermostat doesn’t assist much either. Indoor heating gets rid of the moisture from the air and the skin.
Before a person goes outside during winter, he should create a moisture barrier. Protect the most sensitive parts such as the lips, face, and also the hands using a scarf and gloves.
- Steamy Showers
Setting the shower very much steamy soothes the body, but it is not able to do the skin any favors. It can dry out the natural oils that are in the skin more very fast.
Standing under a hot spray for a long period of time to belt out the favorite tune is not a good idea. The longer a person lingers in the shower, then the more he will dry out the skin.
- Moisture-Robbing Soaps
Don’t put any bar of soap into a shower dish as they’re not all the same. Wash by use of a harsh soap and sending the skin’s natural moisture barrier away.
- The Rub-Down
Use hands or even a soft washcloth as suggested by dermatologists. They’ll be able to get you just as clean as abrasive sponges, without roughing up of the skin.
- Losing Shower Moisture
Showering bathes the skin in the moisture. Drying off using a towel immediately afterward strips the moisture away. The surface of that is on the skin absorbs some water, which gets lost if you don’t seal it in.
Rub the skin using rich cream that has ingredients like a soothing ceramide for a sensitive skin, or even urea, lactic acid, or even petroleum jelly for very a dry skin on legs. The products can seal moisture into the skin and thus create a very effective skin barrier.
Your face requires very different moisturizing than the body. Smooth using a noncomedogenic face lotion which is usually the one that don’t clog pores and lead to breakouts. Pick a moisturizer that has a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 35 or more. Moisturizer that has sunscreen addresses both the dryness as well as the sun protection.
- Aging
As hormone levels change with time, then the skin becomes thinner and more parched thus dry skin on legs.
To reduce the wrinkles that appears on the skin while you relieve the dryness, look for the ingredients like the alpha-hydroxyl acids and the retinol.
Keep a bottle of lotion next to the bed so that you see it each and every time that you go to sleep and when you wake up.
- Irritants
It could be the fabric, fabric softener, or even the detergent that you’re washing it in. Lots of fabrics and products are able to irritate skin from dryer sheets to the perfume.
Wear clothes that are made of soft, cotton and also the silk instead of putting on wool or even the polyester. Line the bed using cotton percale sheets for a gentler touch when you sleep.
- Your Health
It might be a skin condition, such as the atopic dermatitis or even the psoriasis. It can as well be an indication of diseases like the diabetes or an underactive thyroid gland.
No matter the reason behind the condition, dry, itchy skin isn’t anything that you should have to live with in the long-term. If you’ve tried several moisturizers and they’re not assisting to solve the condition, or the irritation is getting much worse, then you have to see the dermatologist.
Dry Skin on Legs Looks like Scales
Ichthyosis vulgaris is a skin condition that happens when the skin doesn’t shed the dead skin cells. This leads to a dry, dead skin cells that accumulates in small patches on the surface of the skin. It’s also called the “fish scale disease” due to the dead skin that accumulates in the same pattern to a fish’s scales.
The majority of the cases are very much mild and confined to very specific areas of the body. But, some cases are much severe and normally cover large areas of your body, which includes the abdomen, the back, arms, as well as the legs.
Symptoms of this skin condition include:
- flaky scalp
- polygon-shaped scales on the skin
- scales that are brown, or white
- much severe dry skin
- a thickened skin
Symptoms of the condition are typically worse during the winter as the air is colder and even dryer. The patches of dry skin on legs usually appear on the elbows as well as the lower legs, most often affects the shins in thick and the dark segments. In very severe cases, the condition might also lead to a deep, painful cracks that develops on the soles of the feet or palms of hands.
The condition might be present at birth or even appear in the first few years of childhood, but it usually disappears during the early childhood. Some other people might never have the symptoms again, but for other people, it can then return during adulthood.
As with several other skin conditions, the genetics play a role in transmission of the condition. The condition then follows an autosomal dominant pattern. This implies that only a parent requires to possess the mutated gene so as to pass it onto the child. It is one of the common of all inherited skin disorders.
In the very rare cases, adults are also able to develop ichthyosis vulgaris even if they don’t have the defective gene. Though this is very rare, it’s normally associated with several other conditions, including the cancer, kidney failure, or even the thyroid disease.
The condition might also happen together with other skin disorders, like the atopic dermatitis or also keratosis pilaris. Atopic dermatitis, more commonly called the eczema, is indicated for leading to extremely itchy skin rashes. The affected skin might also be very thick and also covered in scales. The white or even the red skin bumps brought about by keratosis pilaris can appear very much similar to acne, but they normally appear on the arms or even the buttocks. This condition can also lead to rough patches of skin.
Dry Skin on Legs looks Like Snakeskin
There’s a deeper connection to the phrase “dry as a snake”, however, most of the main functions that happen in the body (such as the heart rate, body temperature and also the balance) are found in the part of the brain that scientist’s call the “reptilian brain”.
We’re Getting Older
Activity that occurs in the sebaceous glands, and also the overall number of the sebaceous glands, begins to decrease a person gets older. The sebaceous glands are usually responsible for creation of the sebum, which is the oily substance that is made up of fatty acids and sugar that normally protects the outer layer of skin from losing any water. The skin requires the outer layer to be a minimum of about 15% water, but 30% is ideal. When the skin loses water, it becomes very much dry, flaky and also very itchy just like that of a reptile.
Hot & Cold
Both hot and also the cold temperatures can lead to water so as to evaporate from the skin. You can also lose a lot of moisture in freezing temperatures just like in the hot desert heat. Water is also able to evaporate from skin if you live in a dry area, and swimming in a pool water are able to suck the moisture out of your skin too.
You’re not eating the Right Foods
Chances are, if staying on top of all the external factors and you still have the dry skin, it’s likely that the symptom is a direct reflection of something happening inside.
If take food as medicine, you’ll observe that water-dense foods such as the fruits and vegetables are able to improve the texture of the skin. Orange vegetables in particular are very rich in the beta carotene, which is great for the skin, and will assist to fight dry skin and also protect the skin from any environmental damage
Dry Itchy Skin on Legs
1. Skin conditions
Skin conditions that can lead to itching include:
- dry skin
- eczema – where the skin is dry, flaky and also very itchy
- contact dermatitis – inflammation of skin that happens when you come into contact with an allergen
- urticaria – also called the hives, or nettle rash; urticaria is usually triggered by an allergen and also leads to a raised, red itchy rash to develop
- lichen planus – is an itchy rash of unknown cause
- psoriasis – a skin condition that leads to red, crusty patches of skin that is usually covered with silvery scales
- dandruff – a common skin condition that leads to a dry white or even the grey flakes of dead skin that are seen in the scalp or hair
- folliculitis – a skin condition brought about by inflamed hair follicles
- prurigo – small blisters that are very itchy
2. Allergies and skin reactions
Itching is brought about by an allergen, irritant or any other environmental factor, which includes:
- cosmetic ingredients, like the preservatives, hair dye and also the nail varnish hardeners
- certain metals, like the nickel or even cobalt in jewelry
- rubber – which includes latex
- textiles – especially the dyes and also the resins that are in them
- some plants – like the chrysanthemums, daffodils and primula
- an allergy to some foods or even types of medication (for instance, aspirin and medicines known as the opioids)
- prickly heat – is an itchy rash that normally appears in hot and humid weather conditions
- sunburn – skin damage brought about by exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays
3. Parasites and insects
Itching can be brought about by the following pests:
- the scabies mite that normally burrows deep into the skin and leads to a skin condition known as the scabies
- head lice, pubic lice or even the body lice
- insect bites and the stings from bees, mosquitoes and also the bedbugs
- threadworms – this are the worm parasites that usually infect the bowels of the humans and are able to lead to an itchy bottom
- trichomonas vaginalis – a tiny parasite that leads to a sexually transmitted infection (STI) known as the trichomoniasis
4. Infections
Itching can be an indication of an infection, like the:
- chickenpox or any other viral infection
- athlete’s foot – a fungal infection that leads to the itching in between the toes
- ringworm – a fungal infection that leads to the ring-like red rash to develop on the skin and might lead to an itchy scalp
- vaginal thrush – yeast infections that is able to lead to itching in and around the genitals
Home Remedies for dry skin on Legs
- Olive Oil
Olive oil has several antioxidants and also healthy fatty acids that are very good for the dry skin on legs. It is able to soothe and the condition dry skin all over the body.
- Dab a thin layer of virgin olive oil under the regular moisturizer.
- About 30 minutes before taking a shower, rub some amount of olive oil on the hands, legs as well as all other areas that have dry skin and then massage lightly. Take a shower and then use a very light moisturizer.
- Mix about two tablespoons of the olive oil, 4 tablespoons of the fine brown sugar, and a tablespoon of honey. Rub a homemade scrub on the dry skin by use of light, circular motions for about 3 minutes. Take a shower and then use a light moisturizer.
- Milk Cream
The lactic acid that is available in milk cream assists to exfoliate dry skin. The soothing nature of milk cream also assists much preservation of the skin’s delicate pH levels. Milk cream is also a perfect moisturizer.
- Mix about 5 drops of the lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of milk and 3 teaspoons of the milk cream. Rub it on the legs. Leave it on for a short while before taking a shower. Do the process once daily.
- Add enough amount of milk cream to 4 tablespoons of gram flour so as to make a thick paste. Use the paste on the legs. Leave it on for about 20 minutes and then rinse it off using lukewarm water. Do the process once daily.
- Milk
Milk contains anti-inflammatory as well as the soothing properties that assists to remove dry and itchy skin. Also, the lactic acid that is present in milk exfoliates dead skin cells and also increases the skin’s ability to retain the moisture. Also, it greatly assists to lighten your complexion.
- Soak a washcloth in the cold milk and then put the cloth on dry skin for about 10 minutes. Gently wash off the milk using a clean cloth that is soaked in lukewarm water. Using the procedure, the natural moisturizer remains on the skin. Do the process every other day.
- Add 2 drops of rose water to about 3 tablespoons of milk. Rub the solution all over the body. Leave it on for about 10 minutes and wash the body using cold water. Follow the remedy about 2 times daily.
- Honey
Honey is said to one of the best natural moisturizers that is loaded with antioxidant, and also humectant properties.
Therefore, it assists to lock in moisture so as to make the skin to be extra soft and also smooth. Also, honey contains several essential vitamins and also minerals that assists to improve the skin’s health.
- Before taking a shower, rub honey all over the body and then leave it on for 10 minutes. Repeat the process daily so as to enjoy well-moisturized skin.
- Measure out equal parts of the unprocessed honey, and olive oil. Melt the honey in a small pan over very low heat. Remove it from heat and then mix in the honey and the olive oil. Use the mixture all over the body and leave it on for about 15 minutes before taking a shower. Repeat the process daily or every other day.
- Yogurt
Yogurt is a perfect skin-hydrating agent. Also, its antioxidant and also the anti-inflammatory properties assists to soothe dry and also the itchy skin.
Also, its lactic acid assists to remove any germs or even bacteria that may lead to dryness or even itchiness.
- Use the fresh yogurt on hands, face and also the legs and gently massage it into the skin. Leave it on for about 15 minutes and then take a shower. The mild exfoliating action of the yogurt can get rid of the dry skin and then leave the skin refreshed. Do the process once daily.
- Mix about one-half cup of the yogurt and about 3 tablespoons of the mashed or blended papaya. Stir in about 5 drops each of honey and also the lemon juice. Use it on the skin and then leave it on for 15 minutes before washing it off using cold water. Do the process once a week.
- Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is very good for treatment of dry skin on legs. It contains a good amount of the fatty acids that normally make up for a loss of moisture from the skin.
- Use warm coconut oil all over the body concentrating on dry skin on legs before going to sleep. Wash it off using cold water in the morning. Do the process daily to make the skin soft and smooth.
- Use the coconut oil on the dry skin on legs after you take a shower. When the skin is very warm and then supple from bath, coconut oil is readily absorbed. Do the process daily.
- Avocado
Avocado is usually packed with a lot of fatty acids, vitamins as well as the antioxidants that assists to improve the skin from the inside. The high vitamin A content also assists much in skin maintenance as well as repair so as to restore smooth and the silky skin.
- Mash up the pulp of the avocado into a very smooth paste. Rub the paste all over the dry skin on legs. Let it sit on the skin for about 15 minutes and rinse it off using cold water. Repeat it once daily.
- Mash again one-half of a ripe avocado and then stir in one-half cup of honey. Use the mixture on the dry skin on legs and let it sit for 20 minutes before rinsing it off using cold water. Apply the hydrating face mask twice a week. Do not apply for more often than that.
- You can drink a glass of an avocado smoothie daily so as to increase the intake of the healthy fats that can assist to keep the skin hydrated and also moisturized.
- Oatmeal
You might also apply the use of oatmeal so as to moisturize and also relieve the dry skin on legs. The high protein content that is in oatmeal leaves a protective layer that is on the skin that normally prevents water loss and assists to maintain moisture. Also, it contains anti-inflammatory as well as the antioxidant properties that are very good for the overall health of the skin.
- Pour 1 cup of plain oatmeal into the bathtub that is filled with warm water. Add about 3 drops of lavender oil. Soak in the bath water for about 30 minutes. Enjoy the soothing bath at least once a week.
- Make a face mask by mixing of 1 mashed ripe banana with 1 cup of the ground oatmeal and then add a little amount of lukewarm milk. Use the smooth mixture on the dry skin and then leave it on for 15 minutes. Rinse it off using cold water. Use the face mask at least once a week.
Further references;
- Fighting Back Against Dry Skin: http://www.webmd.com/beauty/dry-skin-13/dry-skin-causes?page=3
- Dry skin: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-skin/home/ovc-20248889
- Ichthyosis Vulgaris: http://www.healthline.com/health/ichthyosis-vulgaris#Overview1