Treatment for Dry Skin on the Chin

Dry skin, or xerosis, is a common condition that causes itching, flaking and redness. It is often more severe and difficult to treat during the dry winter months. Dry skin on the chin is typically caused by improper skin care, low environmental humidity or a combination of the two. Sometimes, eczema or localized allergic reactions can cause dry skin. Treatment involves changes to lifestyle and skin care and avoidance of irritants. Severely dry skin that fails to respond to home treatment requires professional evaluation to rule out an underlying medical cause, such as hypothyroidism.

Change your soap, lotion, cosmetics and other skin-care products to determine if your dry skin is a reaction to a chemical or other ingredient in your current brand. Dry skin that itches and flakes may indicate a reaction to a fragrance or an allergy to an ingredient.

Dry Flaking on the Nose

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Wash your skin with lukewarm water and a mild soap. The University of Iowa explains that hot water and harsh cleaners can remove the skin's natural oils, increasing dryness and irritation. Use soap only when necessary and pat your skin dry instead of rubbing it.

Apply moisturizer to dry areas at least three times each day and more often if needed. Using a moisturizer within three minutes of washing your face or showering will lock moisture into your skin and improve symptoms. Oil-based moisturizers are generally more effective at treating severely dry skin, but these may clog pores and contribute to acne breakouts.

How to Reduce Keratin Production

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Exfoliate your chin with a fine-grained exfoliant every few days to remove dead, flaky skin and enable moisturizing products to penetrate more deeply into the affected area. If you notice increased itching, redness or inflammation, exfoliate less often or try a different exfoliant.

Treat dry skin on your chin caused by eczema with over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream and regular moisturizing. Merck suggests avoiding anything that may be triggering the dryness and inflammation, such as resting your chin on irritating fabrics, using scented soap or eating foods known to trigger your eczema flare-ups 1. Eczema that is blistered or weeping may require professional treatment and antibiotics to prevent or treat infection, so consult your doctor if you experience these symptoms.

Use a humidifier inside your home during the winter to increase environmental humidity levels. This may be especially beneficial if your dry skin worsens during the winter.

Wear sunscreen on your face to prevent dryness caused by the sun. The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology recommends a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater.