Medical Conditions That Cause Dry Skin

Updated October 19, 2026. Most dry skin comes from weather and daily habits, but sometimes it is a symptom of something else. Here are the conditions and medicines that most often cause it, and the signs that it is time to get checked.

Short answer: the medical conditions most often behind dry skin are eczema (atopic dermatitis), psoriasis, ichthyosis, an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), diabetes, and chronic kidney disease, along with some medications. A clue that something more than weather or habits is involved is dryness that is severe, appears suddenly, or does not improve after two to three weeks of good moisturizing. DermNet and the American Academy of Dermatology both advise seeing a doctor in that situation.

Skin conditions that cause dry skin

Atopic dermatitis (eczema)

Eczema is the most common cause of chronic dry, itchy skin, especially in children. The skin barrier works less well than normal, often partly for genetic reasons (for example, changes in a barrier protein called filaggrin), so skin loses water easily and reacts to irritants. It shows up as dry, scaly, intensely itchy patches, classically in the elbow and knee creases in older children and adults, and on the cheeks and outer limbs in babies. Severe flares can weep or crust. Not sure which you have? See dry skin vs. eczema.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an immune-driven condition in which skin cells build up much faster than normal, forming thick, well-defined red patches with silvery-white scale. Common sites are the elbows and knees, lower back, and scalp. Patches may itch, burn, crack, or bleed. Unlike simple dryness, psoriasis plaques have sharp edges and do not clear with moisturizer alone.

Ichthyosis

Ichthyosis is a group of mostly inherited conditions that cause persistently dry, thickened, scaly skin, sometimes resembling fish scales. The most common form, ichthyosis vulgaris, is usually mild and often appears as fine scale on the shins, worse in winter. It is frequently seen alongside eczema and keratosis pilaris. Rarely, ichthyosis develops in adulthood and can be linked to another illness, which is worth investigating.

Contact dermatitis

Irritant contact dermatitis happens when something repeatedly damages the skin barrier, such as frequent handwashing, detergents, or solvents. Allergic contact dermatitis is a reaction to a specific substance like nickel, fragrance, or a preservative. Both cause dry, red, itchy, sometimes cracked skin in the area that touched the trigger, most often the hands.

Keratosis pilaris

Small, rough bumps on the upper arms and thighs are usually keratosis pilaris, a harmless condition closely linked to dry skin and eczema.

Whole-body (systemic) conditions

Hypothyroidism

An underactive thyroid slows the body's metabolism, including the skin's production of sweat and oil. Skin often becomes dry, rough, pale, and cool, and hair and nails may become brittle. Other symptoms include tiredness, feeling cold, weight gain, and constipation. A simple blood test checks thyroid function, and dryness usually improves once thyroid levels are treated.

Diabetes

High blood sugar causes frequent urination, which can leave the body and skin short on water. Over time, diabetes can also damage the nerves that control sweating (especially in the feet and legs) and reduce circulation, so the skin there becomes very dry and prone to cracking. Cracked heels matter more with diabetes because they can let infection in. Our guide to dry skin and diabetes explains the one moisturizing rule that differs (keep moisturizer out from between the toes) and why foot cracks need prompt attention.

Chronic kidney disease

Dry skin is very common in people with advanced kidney disease, especially those on dialysis, and is often accompanied by persistent itch. Changes in fluid balance, minerals, and waste products in the blood are thought to contribute. Treatment is coordinated with the kidney team.

Liver disease

Some liver and bile duct conditions cause widespread itch, sometimes without much visible rash. Itch with yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or pale stools needs prompt medical review.

Sjögren's syndrome

Sjögren's is an autoimmune disease that targets moisture-producing glands. Dry eyes and a dry mouth are the hallmark symptoms, and dry skin is common too.

Nutritional deficiencies

Low intake of essential fatty acids, vitamin A, zinc, niacin, or protein can cause dry, flaky skin. This is uncommon with a varied diet but can occur with eating disorders, very restrictive diets, or conditions that impair absorption.

Pregnancy and hormonal shifts

Hormonal changes in pregnancy and menopause can make skin drier or itchier. Intense itching in late pregnancy, especially on the palms and soles, should be reported to your midwife or doctor promptly.

Medications that can dry the skin

Retinoids: isotretinoin for acne is strongly drying; topical tretinoin and adapalene can be too, especially at first.
Diuretics (water pills): increase fluid loss.
Statins and some other cholesterol-lowering drugs: occasionally linked to dry skin.
Some antihistamines and other drying medicines can reduce secretions.
Cancer treatments: chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and radiation commonly dry or irritate the skin.

Never stop a prescribed medication on your own. If dryness began after starting a new drug, ask your doctor or pharmacist whether it may be related and what can be done.

Signs your dry skin may have a medical cause

Dryness that persists despite consistent moisturizing for two to three weeks
Severe itching, redness, or inflammation, or itch that disturbs sleep
Dry skin that appears suddenly without an obvious cause
Other symptoms such as fatigue, weight change, feeling cold, excessive thirst, or frequent urination
Skin that cracks, bleeds, oozes, or looks infected
Thick, sharply defined scaly plaques, or widespread fish-like scale

How treatment differs

Moisturizers help almost every type of dry skin, but medical causes need the underlying problem treated too:

Eczema: daily emollients plus anti-inflammatory creams such as topical steroids or non-steroid alternatives during flares, and avoiding triggers.
Psoriasis: topical treatments, phototherapy, or systemic and biologic medicines for more extensive disease.
Ichthyosis: regular use of urea, lactic acid, or salicylic acid creams to soften scale.
Thyroid disease: thyroid hormone replacement.
Diabetes: blood sugar control plus daily foot checks and moisturizing.

See prescription treatments for dry skin for what a doctor may offer.

Common questions

What medical conditions cause dry skin?

Common ones include eczema (atopic dermatitis), psoriasis, ichthyosis, contact dermatitis, hypothyroidism, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. Sjögren's syndrome, some liver conditions, nutritional deficiencies, and medications such as retinoids and diuretics can also cause dry skin.

Can thyroid problems cause dry skin?

Yes. An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) reduces sweat and oil production, so skin often becomes dry, rough, and cool, with brittle hair and nails. Tiredness, feeling cold, and weight gain are other clues. A blood test can check thyroid function.

Why does diabetes cause dry skin?

High blood sugar increases urination and fluid loss, and over time diabetes can damage the nerves that control sweating and reduce circulation, especially in the feet and legs. The skin there dries out and cracks more easily, which can let infection in.

How do I know if my dry skin is a sign of something serious?

See a doctor if dryness does not improve after two to three weeks of regular moisturizing, appears suddenly, comes with other symptoms such as fatigue, weight change, or excessive thirst, or if skin cracks, bleeds, or looks infected.

Can medications cause dry skin?

Yes. Retinoids such as isotretinoin, diuretics, some cholesterol medicines, and many cancer treatments can dry the skin. Do not stop a prescribed medicine on your own; ask your doctor or pharmacist about the link and how to manage it.