Q: Which doctor should I consult for dry skin?
A: You must consult a dermatologist to seek professional treatment for dry skin or recurrence of dry skin.
Q: Can allergies cause dry skin?
A: Allergies can cause a type of dermatitis called allergic dermatitis. In this condition the allergy to the triggering substance induces dry skin and redness.
Q: Do genetics play a role in dry skin?
A: Very few dry skin diseases are hereditary in nature like ichthyosis. Majority of dry skin cases are due to environmental factors and lifestyle of the individual.
Q: What medical conditions cause dry skin?
A: Certain diseases like diabetes, hyperthyroidism, psoriasis and malnutrition can be associated with dry skin, although the link is not clearly established.
Q: Can dry skin be caused by medications?
A: Yes. Dryness is a common adverse effect of many oral drugs like amlodipine, clobetasol, acne medications like isotretinoin and cholesterol lowering drugs like statins.
Q: What are the best products for dry skin?
A: Moisturizers containing propylene glycol or urea help keep the skin hydrated and are good for dry skin.