Very dry skin after showering

Recently..say my last 2 or 3 showers I have been getting really bad dry skin especially on my arms and dont understand why, I havent changed my shower gel or anything Im using in the shower so don't really understand what it could be.

I do have psoriasis in my scalp only, wonder if it could be anything to do with that?, the dry skin on my arms came on very suddenly, also something else I feel I should mention I did go to menorca around 3 to 4 weeks ago and got burnt on my arms however under normal circumstanes like when I havent had a shower yet that day everything is fiine no dry skin anywhere, it really is just occuring after showering, any help into explaining why I would be very grateful, thanks

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Dry skin results when there is not enough water in the stratum corneum for it to function properly. Too much soapy water, exposure to harsh chemicals, the normal aging process and certain types of skin diseases are some of the causes of decreased amounts of protective skin oils which in turn causes dry skin.

The mainstay of management is liberal use of moisturizers after washing with luke warm water. Soap should be used minimally. Moisturizers should be reapplied liberally during the day. You can also use a topical cortisone (steroid) cream or ointment like dermacort(hydrocortisone). Adding a humidifier to the central heating system of your home or using a humidifier also helps.

If still the symptoms persist then possibility of eczema or psoriasis is there. Please consult a dermatologist for clinical examination in that case as treatment is specific for each one and without clinical examination, it is difficult to make a diagnosis.

I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.