Dry skin, or xerosis, refers to epidermis that lacks moisture or sebum, the oily substance produced by the sebaceous gland which keeps skin looking smooth and supple (and can also cause acne). With xerosis, skin cells shrink from insufficient moisture and can cause pain.

Symptoms

Dry skin often looks tight, unnatural, or dehydrated. Sometimes there is a ruddy hue and a rough, patchy texture to the skin from lack of moisture. Frequently there are fine lines in the skin and varying degrees of itching, flaking, or peeling of the epidermis which can be quite uncomfortable and even painful. In severe cases, an open wound or fissure can develop in the outer layer of the skin. This condition can be quite painful and vulnerable to infection if left untreated.

What Causes It?

Environment and behavior play key roles in the development and appearance of dry skin. Behavioral causes include frequent bathing or showering and excessive scrubbing and cleaning, all of which remove the skin’s natural oils and dry out the skin. Sunbathers are also more susceptible to dry skin and skin damage due to the harmful effects of prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Certain medications and harsh bath soaps can also cause dry skin.

Environmental factors include living in a dry climate, as well as exposure to winter weather and its lower humidity. Older people tend to have drier skin due to lower concentrations of sebum. People who are Vitamin A deficient may also develop dry skin. Some people may inherit dry skin disorders called ichthyosis.

Treatment Options

Your dermatologist will determine the proper course of treatment for your dry skin. The goal of treatment will be to restore and retain moisture in the skin, and treatments may include topical creams, cleansers, lotions and serums.

Locations with this service

Zephyrhills 
38162 Medical Center Ave
Zephyrhills, FL 33540
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Weston 
2625 Executive Park Dr, Suite 7
Weston, FL 33331
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Venice Health Park 
1295 Jacaranda Blvd.
Venice, FL 34292
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Tampa Palms 
15310 Amberly Dr, Suite 150
Tampa, FL 33647
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Sun City Center 
1007 E Del Webb Blvd, Suite 101
Sun City Center, FL 33573
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Pembroke Pines 
603 N Flamingo Rd, Suite 350
Pembroke Pines, FL 33028
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Parrish 
9015 US Highway 301 N
Parrish, FL 34219
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North Port – Commons 
14840 Tamiami Trail
North Port, FL 34287
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North Port – Bobcat Village 
2481 Bobcat Village Center Rd, Suite 101
North Port, FL 34288
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Naples – North 
1015 Crosspointe Dr.
Naples, FL 34110
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Naples – Downtown 
261 9th St S
Naples, FL 34102
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Naples – Colonial Square 
1108 Goodlette-Frank Rd. N.
Naples, FL 34102
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Naples – Central 
9125 Corsea Del Fontana Way, Suite 100
Naples, FL 34109
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Miami
Formerly Bowes Dermatology
Mercy Professional Building Suite 6008
 
3659 S Miami Ave, Suite 6008
Miami, FL 33133
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Lakewood Ranch 
8340 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Suite 260
Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
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Fort Myers – West 
9400 Gladiolus Dr, Suite 320
Fort Myers, FL 33908
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Fort Myers – South 
7331 Gladiolus Drive
Fort Myers, FL 33908
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Fort Myers – The Forum 
3268 Forum Blvd, Suite 201
Fort Myers, FL 33905
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Estero 
19527 Highland Oaks Dr, Suite 201
Estero, FL 33928
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Englewood 
406 N Indiana Ave
Englewood, FL 34223
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Deerfield Beach 
1880 W Hillsboro Blvd, Suite A
Deerfield Beach, FL 33442
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Clearwater 
1122 Druid Rd E
Clearwater, FL 33756
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Cape Coral – Surfside 
2366 Surfside Blvd, Suite C111
Cape Coral, FL 33991
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Cape Coral 
413 Del Prado Blvd S, Suite 101
Cape Coral, FL 33990
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Bonita Springs 
25987 S Tamiami Trail, Unit 90
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
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Boca Raton – East 
200 Glades Road, Suite 1
Boca Raton, FL 33432
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Bay Harbor Islands 
1111 Kane Concourse, Suite 100
Bay Harbor Islands, FL 33154
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