Some factors are dry skin, heredity, abrasion, contact allergy, stress or exposure to irritants.

Dry skin can be a symptom of atopic eczema, or flexural eczema as it is also known. Atopic eczema is an inflammatory skin disease and is common in children. The causes of atopic eczema are due to an interaction between genetics and environment. In people with atopic eczema, the skin barrier is impaired. In recent years, research has shown that many people with atopic eczema have a gene mutation that causes a deficiency in filaggrin, the protein in skin cells that helps hold the skin barrier together. This makes it more sensitive to external stresses and makes it harder to retain moisture. Irritants such as micro-organisms and allergens can penetrate more easily and trigger inflammation of the skin, known as eczema.

Eczema often clears with age, but for some, it is lifelong and the symptoms can come and go. In atopic eczema, the skin may crack, itch, flake and feel rough. Light skin can become red with eczema, while the red doesn’t tend to be visible on people with dark skin.

For dry skin and eczema problems, it is important to maintain the skin with moisturizing cream, even during periods when the symptoms are less severe. This way you can prevent the problem and give the skin barrier the best conditions in order to stay soft and firm.

You may need to supplement with a cortisone cream to alleviate inflammation and reduce itching. Contact your health center or pharmacy if you have symptoms that don’t improve.