Dry skin can drive a person mad. Your skin feels so itchy and red, like your skin is being stretched all over your body. Sometimes, you just want to stay in the tub all day. However, do not despair because there is a light at the end of the tunnel. The most innocuous things can be the source of dry skin, from hot showers to itchy clothing. Here are just some of the common causes of dry, itchy skin.

Moisturizers seem useless against your dry itchy skin? The problem could be misusing the moisturizer. Most of the time, people put on moisturizers when their skin is dry. However, moisturizers are made to keep your skin moist. So if your skin isn’t already moist, then moisturizers are useless. So next time, dampen your skin a little before you apply your moisturizer.

Long hot baths and showers can also dry skin out. A prolonged soak in hot water can wash away important natural oils that protect your skin. Hence if your skin feels dry after a shower or bath, it’s time to use less hot water and spend less time soaking in the tub.

People love to wear their favorite clothes all the time, no matter how uncomfortable they are. Itchy clothing can cause dry, itchy skin. When dry skin stays in constant contact with irritants, dry skin just becomes worse and worse. The simple fix is to throw out that itchy sweater and wear clothes you are comfortable in.

There are many causes of dry skin, but the most important thing is to see a doctor if it becomes too problematic. Remember that dry, itchy skin is not something you have to live with.