Dry, flaking skin is one of the most common concerns people raise with our pharmacists, and it is also one of the most frequently misidentified. Eczema and psoriasis can look similar to ordinary dry skin at first glance, yet each is understood and managed differently.
According to Healthdirect, eczema affects around 10% of adults in Australia and one in five children under two years of age, which is one reason that consistent moisturising alone does not always resolve the problem.
Knowing which of the three you may be dealing with can help you choose a more suitable product and recognise when advice from a pharmacist, GP or other healthcare professional may be beneficial.
Understanding Dry Skin
Dry skin develops when the outer layer of the skin loses water faster than it can be replaced, usually because something external has affected the skin’s ability to hold moisture. Hot showers, soap, wind, sun exposure and air conditioning can all contribute, and the skin naturally produces less oil as we get older.
It tends to present recognisably. Often feeling tight after washing or swimming, flakes finely rather than in thick pieces, and looks dull or rough without a great deal of redness. Any itch is usually mild and settles once the skin has been moisturised.
The pattern can be as informative as the appearance. Dry skin generally affects larger areas fairly evenly, such as the shins, forearms and sides of the torso, rather than forming defined patches in particular places. It also tends to improve when a suitable moisturiser is used consistently over time.
How Eczema Differs From Dry Skin
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, involves inflammation as well as dryness, which changes both how it looks and how it behaves over time.
Features that may point to eczema rather than general dryness include:
• Defined patches rather than broad areas, commonly in the creases of the elbows and knees, on the hands and wrists, around the neck or near the eyes
• Redness, with skin that may be raised, weeping or crusted during a flare
• Intense itching that is often worse at night and can disturb sleep
• Symptoms that settle for weeks or months before flaring again
• Flares that follow a trigger such as pollen, heat and sweat, stress or a change of laundry detergent
• A personal or family history of hay fever or asthma
If moisturising helps to a degree but the same patches keep returning to the same places, eczema may be a more likely explanation than dryness alone.
How Psoriasis Differs From Dry Skin and Eczema
Psoriasis is usually the most distinguishable of the three, because the texture of the affected skin and the clarity of its edges tend to set it apart.
Features that may point to psoriasis include:
• Thicker, raised plaques topped with silvery or white scale
• Clearly defined edges, so the boundary between affected and unaffected skin is easy to see
• A tendency to appear on the elbows, knees, lower back and scalp, often symmetrically on both sides of the body
• Skin that feels sore or tight and may crack or bleed, with itching that is generally less intense than in eczema
• Changes to the nails, including pitting, thickening or separation from the nail bed
• Joint pain or stiffness alongside the skin changes, in some people
Psoriasis is associated with skin cells renewing themselves far more quickly than usual rather than with a loss of moisture, which helps explain why moisturising may improve comfort without resolving the plaques themselves.
Caring for Dry Skin
When general dryness is what you are managing, how much product you apply and how often you apply it often matters as much as which product you choose.
Humectant ingredients such as glycerin draw water into the skin and help hold it there, which is why sorbolene with added glycerin remains one of the most widely used options for dryness across larger areas. For skin that has become sensitive or reactive, products containing ceramides are commonly used to help support the skin’s natural barrier. Thickened areas such as heels and elbows may respond better to urea-based creams, which soften built-up skin as well as moisturising it.
Everyday habits also make a difference. Applying moisturiser to slightly damp skin within a few minutes of showering helps seal water in, reducing the water temperature limits how much natural oil is stripped away, and choosing a soap-free wash rather than standard soap is a small change that many people notice.
You can browse the full range of therapeutic skin care, along with body moisturisers and face moisturisers, to compare the options available.
How a Pharmacist Can Support Your Skin Care
Pharmacists are often one of the most accessible healthcare professionals in the community, and skin concerns are among the questions they are asked about most frequently.
A pharmacist can help explain the differences between commonly used product types, including moisturisers, soap-free washes and preparations intended for specific skin conditions, and discuss which of those may be appropriate given your circumstances. They can also identify when referral to a GP or dermatologist may be the more suitable next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can moisturiser treat eczema or psoriasis?
Moisturising is an important part of caring for both conditions and may help with comfort, though neither is caused by a loss of moisture alone. A pharmacist or doctor can help you understand what else may be appropriate.
Why does my dry skin get worse at certain times of year?
Skin is affected by humidity, wind, sun exposure and how often it gets wet, all of which change through the year. Many people find they need to adjust what they are using as the seasons change.
How long should I use a moisturiser before deciding it is not working?
One to two weeks of consistent daily use, applied generously, is a reasonable period before assessing whether it is helping. Applying too little is one of the more common reasons an otherwise suitable product appears ineffective.
Should I speak with a pharmacist or a doctor first?
A pharmacist is a practical starting point for general dryness and can advise on suitable product types. If the skin is infected, cracked and bleeding, or not improving despite consistent care, seeing a doctor is advised.
If you have questions about moisturisers, washes or caring for dry or sensitive skin, speak with the team at your nearest Michael’s Chemist. Our pharmacists can provide trusted guidance and help you make informed decisions about your care. You can also learn more about our Consultations & Other Services.
Michael’s Chemist has been supporting Perth communities with trusted healthcare advice and pharmacy services for decades. Our pharmacists are here to help you access the advice and support that’s right for your situation.
This article is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Michael’s Chemist does not diagnose skin conditions through this article, and any discussion of dry skin, eczema or psoriasis is general in nature. Individual circumstances vary, and health-related decisions should be made in consultation with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional. Products mentioned may not be suitable for everyone and should be used only as directed.
Sources
Healthdirect Australia – Eczema
Healthdirect Australia – Psoriasis