Dry skin

Dry skin can feel tight and rough. It may be scaly or chapped and, as it becomes drier, there may be cracks. The skin may also be itchy as it is more prone to irritants if the protective barrier is damaged.

Atopic dermatitis (atopic eczema) and psoriasis are medical conditions associated with dry skin.

The skin is formed of several layers, and the outer layer forms a protective barrier. When the skin's barrier is disturbed, both the protective function and healthy appearance are affected. It can lose moisture and elasticity and can be more sensitive to external influences such as sun and temperature changes.