Dry skin (medically called xerosis) happens when the skin loses too much water and oil, leaving it rough, scaly, itchy, and sometimes cracked — most often on the hands, arms, and lower legs. It is very common and usually mild, and in most cases it improves with simple self-care and regular moisturizing without needing a doctor. The mainstay of treatment is moisturizing emollients (ointments, creams, or lotions) applied frequently, along with gentler bathing and cleansing habits; prescription medicines are reserved for cases that don't improve, are very inflamed, or stem from an underlying skin or medical condition.
Available without a prescription — follow each label.
Petrolatum (white petroleum jelly) Vaseline, Aquaphor (with related emollients) Occlusive emollient / skin protectant (FDA OTC skin protectant) | A thick, greasy ointment that seals in moisture and is often used for very dry, cracked, or chapped skin and overnight. Under the FDA OTC skin protectant monograph, petrolatum temporarily protects and helps relieve chapped or cracked skin. Apply to damp skin after bathing; greasiness is the main downside. Avoid open wounds unless advised. |
Dimethicone CeraVe, Cetaphil, Eucerin (as an ingredient) Silicone-based emollient / skin protectant (FDA OTC skin protectant) | A non-greasy skin protectant found in many daytime moisturizing creams and lotions; it absorbs quickly and suits hands and visible areas. Often combined with humectants (glycerin) and ceramides. Reasonable for mild-to-moderate dryness and frequent reapplication. |
Ceramide-containing moisturizers CeraVe, Eucerin Barrier-repair emollient (cosmetic moisturizer) | MedlinePlus self-care guidance suggests looking for moisturizers that contain ceramides — lipids that help support the skin barrier. Best applied to damp skin a few times a day. These are general moisturizers rather than FDA drug-monograph products. |
Urea cream (10% or lower, OTC strength) Eucerin Advanced Repair, CeraVe SA, Gold Bond Humectant / keratolytic emollient | Draws water into the skin and helps soften thickened, scaly, or rough patches (heels, elbows). MedlinePlus notes creams with urea and lactic acid for dry skin. Can sting on cracked or broken skin; higher urea concentrations may be prescription-only. |
A doctor may prescribe these — not for self-treatment.
Prescription-strength urea or lactic acid preparations Higher-concentration keratolytic / humectant emollients | A clinician may prescribe stronger urea or 12% ammonium lactate formulations for thickened, very scaly, or stubborn dry skin. These are chosen and dosed by a doctor or pharmacist — do not assume a higher strength is right for you without that assessment. |
Topical corticosteroids (prescription strength) Mid- to high-potency topical steroids | For dry skin that is significantly inflamed, red, and itchy — often where eczema or dermatitis is involved — a doctor may prescribe a stronger steroid than OTC hydrocortisone. These need clinician guidance on strength, body area, and duration because misuse can thin the skin; never self-start a prescription steroid. |
Topical calcineurin inhibitors Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory creams (e.g., tacrolimus, pimecrolimus) | A dermatologist may prescribe these as a steroid-sparing option for inflamed conditions such as eczema, particularly on delicate areas like the face. Prescription-only and used under specialist direction. |
Retinoids (topical or oral) for severe scaling disorders Vitamin-A-derivative keratolytics | For severe inherited or persistent scaling conditions such as ichthyosis, the NHS notes a skin specialist may use retinoid creams or tablets to help improve scaly skin. Oral retinoids carry significant risks (including in pregnancy) and are managed only by a specialist. |
Start with moisturizing and habits, which resolve most dry skin. Choose the form by severity and location: lotions and fast-absorbing creams (often with dimethicone, glycerin, or ceramides) for mild dryness and daytime/hands; thick ointments like petrolatum for very dry, cracked skin and overnight. Apply moisturizer to slightly damp skin within a few minutes of bathing to lock in water, and reapply often — MedlinePlus suggests moisturizing 2 to 3 times a day or as needed, and the NHS suggests emollients can be used at least 3 to 4 times a day for problem skin. For rough, scaly, or thickened patches, urea or lactic acid (alpha-hydroxy) products add gentle softening, but they can sting on cracked skin. If itch and redness flare, short-term OTC hydrocortisone 1% can calm a patch, but it is not a substitute for daily moisturizing. Support all of this with self-care: short (5-10 minute) lukewarm showers instead of hot, gentle fragrance- and dye-free cleansers or soap substitutes, avoiding harsh scrubbing and rough fabrics like wool, fragrance-free laundry detergent, and a humidifier in dry indoor air. Be honest about evidence: most dry-skin care rests on barrier support and consistent moisturizing rather than one \"best\" product — the most effective option is usually the one you will apply regularly. Choose fragrance-free formulas to limit irritation, and give a routine a couple of weeks before judging it.
See a doctor (routine visit) if dry, cracked, or itchy skin is widespread or doesn't improve after about two weeks of regular moisturizing and gentle skin care, if itching is severe enough to disrupt sleep, or if you have itching with no obvious rash — MedlinePlus flags these self-care limits. Also seek care if dry skin keeps coming back, covers large areas, or might be linked to another health problem (for example thyroid disease or diabetes), or if a child has persistent, very scaly skin. Seek prompt/urgent care if cracked skin shows signs of infection — increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, oozing, or fever — or if scratching has caused open sores or cuts. Don't self-treat suspected infection or use someone else's prescription; a clinician needs to diagnose it. Anyone with sudden, severe, blistering, or rapidly spreading skin changes should be evaluated without delay.
General reference, not medical advice, and not a substitute for your doctor or pharmacist. The right choice depends on your symptoms, health conditions, age, and other medicines — always read each label and confirm before taking anything.
Lactic acid / ammonium lactate (lower strengths OTC; 12% is Rx) AmLactin, Gold Bond Rough & Bumpy Alpha-hydroxy acid humectant / keratolytic | Hydrates and gently exfoliates rough, scaly skin. MedlinePlus lists lactic acid as a helpful moisturizer ingredient. May cause mild stinging, especially on cracked skin or after sun exposure; the 12% ammonium lactate strength requires a prescription. |
Colloidal oatmeal Aveeno FDA OTC skin protectant | A recognized OTC skin protectant available in lotions and bath products, often used to help soothe dry, itchy skin. Useful when itch is a main complaint. Generally well tolerated; stop if irritation develops. |
Hydrocortisone 1% cream Cortizone-10 Low-potency topical corticosteroid (OTC) | For short-term relief of itchy, inflamed, red patches that accompany dry skin — it is not a moisturizer and not for everyday all-over use. Use thin amounts for only a few days; avoid the face, broken skin, or prolonged use without medical advice. If itch or rash persists, see a clinician. |
Antibiotics (only if skin becomes infected) Topical or oral antibiotics | Cracked dry skin can occasionally become infected (oozing, increasing redness, warmth, or pus). Antibiotics require a clinician's diagnosis of infection — they do not treat dry skin itself and should never be self-started or shared. |
Treatment of an underlying condition Disease-specific therapy | Persistent or severe dry skin can sometimes reflect an underlying issue such as thyroid disease, diabetes, eczema, or psoriasis. MedlinePlus notes that if dry skin stems from another health condition, that condition also needs treatment; any prescription then depends on the diagnosis. |