Xeroderma is a very common condition. Dry skin happens more often in the winter where the cold air outside and the hot air inside create a low relative humidity.

Skin contains the hair follicles, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, apocrine glands and blood vessels. Skin consists of loose connective tissue and elastin. Skin also harbors many nerve endings that provide the sense of touch and heat.

The dermis is the layer of skin beneath the epidermis that consists of connective tissue and cushions the body from stress and strain. Epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin. The blood vessels in the dermis provide nourishment and waste removal to its own cells as well as the epidermis.

Dry skin could also be a sign of an underactive thyroid Dry skin is common. Dry skin could be due to a genetic condition. Environmental factors such as exposure to sun, wind, cold, chemicals, or cosmetics, or excessive bathing with harsh soaps, can cause dry skin.

Thick, oily-type moisturizers work best Take baths or showers less often. Use bath oils and moisturizers daily.

You want to work from the inside out too. Fatty acids are particularly important to people with dry skin. Consider taking cod liver oil or fish oil supplements every day.

The two most common, sluggish, digestion culprits that affect your skin are not enough water and not enough fiber. Eat foods that contain essential fatty acids.

Coconut oil is very inexpensive, therefore, a good, cheap home remedy. Apply coconut oil to heal and soothe your skin.

It just takes motivation, a willingness to try it, and diligent application of coconut oil several times daily and at bedtime to see its benefits. Apply a thin layer of coconut oil and massage it deep into the skin.

Sunlight, water and air play an important role in keeping the skin healthy. The skin is subject to constant attack from without, so can be affected by numerous conditions, diseases and ailments.

Unclean skin favors the development of pathogenic organisms - the dead cells that continually slough off of the epidermis mix with the secretions of the sweat and sebaceous glands and the dust found on the skin to form a filthy layer on its surface.

If you're still worried, or the problems persist, go and see your doctor. Skin doctors are called dermatologists. Call your doctor or naturopath when you feel itchy all over without a visible rash.