Dry Skin with Weight Loss

If you are experiencing weight loss, you may notice that your clothes may fit better or not at all, depending on how much weight you lose. Changing sizes and having a slimmer figure may be welcoming but as you lose weight; your skin also goes through a lot of changes as well. You skin that was once stretched to accommodate additional body fat may lose its elasticity. Stretch marks may be more prevalent as you lose weight along with loose skin. As you lose weight your skin may become dry, especially in areas that have lines or wrinkles. You may have lost a significant amount of weight due to a recent illness such as diabetes, heart disease, hyperthyroidism or cancer. Sometimes illness can contribute to dry skin.

Dry Skin Causes

When you lose weight, you may also lose vital nutrients in the process, this can lead to dry skin on your body. Loss of folic acid, along with certain vitamins, potassium and electrolytes can cause dry skin. MedlinePlus states if you cannot pinpoint your dry skin to a specific medical condition such as chronic kidney disease which causes dry skin and weight loss or a liver problem, there could be other causes. Medication, poor diet, weather conditions, stress and not taking care of your skin daily can also lead to dry skin that is noticeable, red and irritated.

Treatment

With dry, itchy skin, treating the cause is a priority. You should start off with moisturizing the skin with a non-greasy formula. Avoid lotions or creams that contain scents or tints, this could further irritate the skin. Try to find lotions that are non-comedogenic and won't cause breakouts. If the skin is itchy or inflamed, you may to try a cortisone cream that may help alleviate discomfort, recommends MayoClinic.com. If you have lost a considerable amount of weight and you have loose or hanging skin, your skin may harbor bacteria underneath. This can lead to skin problems such as yeast or fungal infections. An anti-fungal cream will have to be prescribed by your physician or dermatologist.

Prevention

You can prevent complications such as irritated, dry skin from weight loss if you take care of your skin as you are losing weight. After washing your skin, make sure you completely dry all areas, especially under flaps of hanging skin. This will prevent moisture from building up which can lead to a yeast infection and patchy dry, irritated skin. After showers and drying your skin, apply a light moisturizer to all areas of the skin, especially areas where you may have excess skin growth such as your stomach and inner thighs, explains AgingSkinNet.

"Chronic Kidney Disease," MedlinePlus
"Itchy Skin," MayoClinic.com
"Dermatologists' Top 10 Tips for Relieving Dry Skin," AgingSkinNet