Physician Assistant Dan Moore at Ingham Internal Medicine and Pediatric Associates, a partner of Ingham Regional, is treating dry skin issues.

Symptoms include: skin tightness, especially after being in water; skin that looks dehydrated and feels and looks rough; itching, and slight to severe flaking, peeling or cracking.

Treating dry skin is important because extensively dry skin can lead to dermatitis, a more severe inflammation of the skin.

Limit yourself to one five- to 10-minute shower per day, use a gentle cleanser with moisturizer, and moisturize while skin is moist.

Most cases of dry skin respond well to lifestyle and home remedies. See a doctor if your skin doesn't improve, if your dry skin is accompanied by redness, or if the dryness and itching interferes with sleep.

Remedies like lanolin, mineral oil and petroleum jelly help keep water in the skin that has been absorbed during bathing.