Severely dry skin often responds well to at-home treatments, such as moisturizing frequently, using a humidifier, turning down the heat, applying hydrocortisone cream, and more.

Dry, itchy, irritated, scaly skin is something many of us have had to manage at some point.

But with severely dry skin, you may notice:

  • dryness that’s painful, itchy, or scaly
  • redness or other color changes that are worsening or starting to scab, crust, peel, or scale off
  • patches of gray, ashy-looking skin in people with darker skin tones
  • fine cracks
  • difficulty sleeping at night due to severe itching
  • areas of infection with pus, blisters, odor, or pain
  • symptoms not improving, or getting worse, despite the use of over-the-counter moisturizers

Here’s how you can find relief for severely dry skin using home remedies.

If your severely dry skin is annoying, but doesn’t affect your daily life, and your skin isn’t showing signs of infection, you may want to try the following self-care treatments.

If you have topical prescription medication, continue to use it. These home remedies aren’t meant to replace the treatment plan prescribed by your doctor or dermatologist.

Use gentle soap

Lathering up with harsh foaming soaps or cleansers that contain irritants or strong fragrances can cause all sorts of problems for your skin.

Instead, opt for gentle or mild soaps without added fragrances.

You could also consider using a non-foaming skin cleanser in place of soap. Cleansers don’t remove as many of your skin’s natural oils as soaps do.

Take time to moisturize

Washing with the right soap is just part of the equation. You also need to seal in moisture right after drying off from a bath or shower.

When choosing a moisturizer, forget fragrances, perfumes, and dyes. Ointment and cream are better than lotion because they have higher oil content.

For maximum relief, one of the most effective natural emollients is petroleum jelly.

Turn down the heat

When you take a bath or shower, use warm water, not hot. Water that’s too hot can inflame your skin and disrupt your skin’s natural balance of moisture.

Also, try to limit your shower or bathing time to no more than 10 minutes.

If you like to keep the thermostat on high, consider dialing it back a little. Heated air can rob your skin of moisture.

One way to add moisture to indoor air is to use a humidifier. A humidifier can keep moisture circulating indoors, which may help your skin retain its natural moisture.

Pat, don’t rub

Remember to treat your skin gently when washing and drying. Try to avoid rubbing your skin vigorously with a wash cloth or sponge when you’re in the bath or shower.

When drying off with a towel, also try not to rub. Instead, gently pat or dab so there’s still a trace of moisture left on your skin. Then, try to moisturize within a few minutes of drying off.

Try a cold compress

If symptoms flare up and the itching and inflammation cause discomfort, consider applying a cold compress to the affected area.

Using a cold compress

  1. Put several ice cubes in a plastic bag, or use a small bag of frozen veggies.
  2. Run a cloth under cold water, then wrap the damp cloth around the bag of ice cubes or frozen vegetables.
  3. Place the cold compress on your skin for 15 minutes at a time.
  4. Gently pat your skin dry once you’re done.

Apply an OTC hydrocortisone cream

If your dry skin is especially itchy or irritated, you may want to consider applying an over-the-counter (OTC) hydrocortisone cream or ointment to the affected area after using a cold compress.

Hydrocortisone creams come in different strengths. You don’t need a prescription for milder strengths, which you can find at your local drugstore or online.

You can combine this treatment with a moisturizer. First, apply the hydrocortisone cream, then add the moisturizer.

Be sure to follow the directions on the product when applying the cream.

Watch what touches your skin

If possible, use laundry detergents formulated specifically for sensitive skin. These are typically gentler on your skin and less likely to cause irritation.

When choosing what to wear, try to avoid scratchy fabrics like wool. Fabrics like cotton and silk allow your skin to breathe, making them good choices for both clothing and bed linens.

Consider natural products

If you have any of these products in their natural form, they may be an option for your severely dry skin, but be sure to speak with a dermatologist first:

  • Honey: With anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, honey is a natural wound healer and moisturizer.
  • Coconut oil: With its antimicrobial and moisturizing properties, coconut oil may help keep your skin hydrated and reduce inflammation.
  • Aloe vera: Most often used in gel form to help soothe sunburned skin, aloe vera may stimulate skin cell rejuvenation and help heal dry, irritated skin.
  • Oatmeal: Soaking in a colloidal oatmeal bath may help soothe dry, irritated skin.

Early treatment is key if you want to prevent dry skin issues, especially in the winter.

In addition to any treatments your dermatologist may give you and implementing the eight strategies above, try to:

  • stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids
  • avoid scratching your skin
  • protect your skin from extreme elements by wearing gloves, scarves, and other clothing that can protect exposed skin

As with any health condition, if you have concerns, especially if they interfere with your day-to-day life, contact your doctor.

But if you’re more of a “wait and see” type of person, it’s important to know the signs that may indicate it’s time to speak with a doctor or dermatologist.

If you have severe dry skin, it’s a good idea to follow up with your doctor if you notice:

  • oozing, blistering, or odorous skin
  • large areas that are peeling
  • an itchy, ring-shaped rash
  • your dry skin doesn’t get better or gets worse after using home treatments for a couple of weeks

You may need a prescription ointment or medication to treat your symptoms.

Severe dry skin is a common condition that often responds to at-home treatment. It tends to be more prevalent in winter when the air is colder and drier.

Staying hydrated, applying plenty of moisturizer to your skin, and avoiding overly heated air and hot showers can all help prevent your skin from becoming too dry.

If your skin does become severely dry, home treatments can often help. But if your skin doesn’t improve, or the symptoms get worse, be sure to follow up with a healthcare professional.