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Diseases & Conditions

Is that dry skin really something more serious?

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Sometimes it’s hard to discern if dry skin is a sign of a more serious condition. Common conditions include eczema and contact dermatitis, which both include dry, cracked, itchy skin. Psoriasis causes thick, raised, red or silvery patches of scaly skin on the elbows, knees, scalp, and trunk. A concerted effort to moisturize the skin throughout the day may be all it takes to get rid of itching and dryness and build up the skin’s moisture barrier. When moisturizing alone isn’t enough, a trip to the dermatologist may be in order.

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