Dry Patches on Face

The onset of dry patches on face is bothersome especially as the location is so visible which can be a cosmetic concern for those who are suffering from it. The condition is not only a cosmetic concern but it can also be discomforting.

Dry patches on face can result to loss of the skin luster on the face and can therefore cause the early onset of wrinkles and lines on the face. It is not only a cause for cosmetic concern and discomfort but dry patches on face may also lead to other skin problems.

Dry skin is a common dermatological problem that can happen to anyone and at an age. It is a common occurrence during the dry winter season but dry skin can happen all throughout the year which is then a health concern to some.

The skin is the largest organ found in the body and functions as a barrier against the harmful elements from the environment. It also functions to contain the vital organs and keep them in place including the other inner parts of the body. The skin is composed of four types such as the normal skin, oily skin, dry skin and sensitive skin. Each type of skin has their characteristic and each also have their own complications.

When the skin is dry, facial tightness may be experienced as a result of insufficiency in moisture or is when the skin is not properly hydrated. The condition of dry patches on face is characterized by dry and flaky skin. It can also be reddish in appearance while itchiness and sensitivity of the skin is common among individuals with dry patches on face. The appearance of dry patches on face is unappealing that the quality of life is affected as it can cause embarrassment on the part of the patient. The incidence of dry patches on face is not a serious or life-threatening condition although measures should be taken to manage the dry skin on the face which may cause complication often due to incessant scratching of the face due to itchiness.

What Causes Dry Patches on Face?

Dry patches on face are caused by dry skin or the loss of hydration and moisture. There are several factors and conditions that can cause the skin on the face to dry that will later have dry patches. The causes can either be due to environmental factor or medical factor.

The environmental factor resulting to dry skin patches on face is due to the external stimuli that irritated or aggravated the skin causing it to dry and form patches.

The environmental causes of dry patches on face include the following:

Cold winter months can cause the skin to dry not only on the face but also in the other skin area of the body. The cold wind causes the skin to dry especially when it is not protected with moisturizers. The cold winter months also causes the small amount of moisture in the air thus lack of moisture for the skin that it usually gets from the environment.

Hot summer months can also cause the skin to dry and dry patches on face. The extreme heat during the hot summer months reduces the natural oil of the skin which leads to dry skin and dry patches on face.

Prolonged exposure under the sun can damage the skin and reduce the natural oil of the skin including the facial skin. Exposure to UV rays of the sun is particularly dangerous to the skin which can cause damages to the skin and its ability to produce enough natural oil to keep the skin well hydrated and moisturized.

Cosmetics and other chemical products are harmful to the skin. Application of cosmetics on the face brings beauty to the face but it can also be harmful and cause dry patches on face which can be embarrassing and unappealing. Detergent soaps and bath soaps can also be harmful to the facial skin and can cause the skin to dry out and form patches on the face. Cosmetics and other chemicals can strip away the natural oils of the skin and the skin of the face.

The medical factors that can cause the dry patches on face are those underlying condition that result the skin to dry not only in the face but also in other areas of the skin.

Medical conditions that cause dry patches on face include the following:

Eczema or atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition characterized by rashes that are extremely itchy and scaly. This skin condition is common in the elbow, knees, wrist and also the facial skin. Atopic dermatitis is aggravated by exposure to dry air and cold air and contact with other irritants. Irritants also include pollen, temperature changes and dust. Stress can also cause the flare up of atopic dermatitis.

Psoriasis is chronic autoimmune disorder that causes scales and red patches on the skin. This skin condition is characterized by excessive production of skin over an area of inflammation and infection. Psoriasis is triggered by stress, excessive consumption of alcohol, cigarette smoking and withdrawal from systemic corticosteroid.

Treatment

The treatment of dry patches on face depends on the cause of the skin to dry. Skin moisturizer is the usual treatment for dry patches on face to restore the moisture of the facial skin. The use of non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic soaps and cosmetics are also advice to patient with dry patches on face.

Dry patches on face caused by underlying condition are generally treated with appropriate drugs for the underlying condition itself. Inflammatory skin conditions are treated with topical application of steroids while anti-histamines are prescribed for dry patches caused by allergies.

Pictures

Photos, Images and Pictures of Dry Patches on face…

Remedies

Dry patches on face resulting from dry skin can also be helped with home remedies such as:

Olive oil and egg yolk combined together is used to take care of dry and flaky skin. The olive oil is an antioxidant rich in vitamin E and vitamin K while the egg yolk is rich in vitamin A and helps in managing skin shedding.

Coconut oil has sufficient amount of fatty acids which can help in replenishing the skin of the natural oil lost. It is a natural way of moisturizing the skin and is best done at night and left for the entire night.

Aloe Vera effectively moisturizes the skin and treats the dry skin. The gel inside the plant is what is being applied on the face which can be obtained by cutting a leaf and squeezing out the gel inside.