From the Guidelines
For dry skin, oral retinoids such as isotretinoin, alitretinoin, and acitretin can be considered as a treatment option, especially in cases of congenital ichthyoses, as they act principally via an ‘antikeratinizing’ effect. According to the European guidelines of care for congenital ichthyoses, part one 1, systemic therapy may be considered in addition to topical therapies, in case they are insufficiently effective or patients need respite from excessive topical treatment. The choice of oral retinoids depends on various parameters, including availability, formulation, and texture, as well as the patient's preferences.
Some key points to consider when treating dry skin include:
- Increasing water intake to at least 8 glasses daily to maintain skin hydration from within
- Using omega-3 fatty acid supplements (1-2 grams daily) to help maintain skin hydration and reduce inflammation
- Using antihistamines like cetirizine (10 mg daily) if dry skin is accompanied by itching, as suggested by the British Association of Dermatologists' guidelines for the investigation and management of generalized pruritus in adults without an underlying dermatosis, 2018 1
- Avoiding dehydrating body care such as hot showers and excessive use of soaps, and returning moisture by applying emollients, as recommended by the interdisciplinary management of EGFR-inhibitor-induced skin reactions: a German expert opinion 1
It's essential to note that oral treatments should complement, not replace, topical moisturizers and gentle cleansing routines. For persistent dry skin issues, it's crucial to maintain consistent hydration and consider potential underlying conditions like thyroid disorders or nutritional deficiencies that might require specific medical attention.
From the Research
Dry Skin Oral Treatment
- Oral supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to reduce dryness and pruritus in dry skin conditions, as demonstrated in a study using an acetone-induced dry skin rat model 2.
- A longitudinal, prospective, randomized, triple blind, placebo-controlled parallel clinical trial found that omega-3 fatty acids in combination with gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and vitamin D may decrease symptoms of atopic dermatitis in children, including dry skin 3.
- Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids may also protect against atopic dermatitis, although more research is needed to confirm this 4.
- While some studies suggest that dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids can help manage symptoms of dry skin, others show no significant beneficial effect, highlighting the need for further research in this area 3, 4.
Mechanism of Action
- The mechanism of action of omega-3 fatty acids in treating dry skin is thought to involve the suppression of scratching behavior induced by dry skin, as well as the reinforcement and restoration of cutaneous integrity and function 2.
- Omega-3 fatty acids may also influence skin barrier dynamics, with suppressive effects on the scratching behavior induced by dry skin 2.
Potential Applications
- Oral supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids may be a useful adjunct to traditional treatments for dry skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis 3, 2.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and limitations of using omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment of dry skin conditions 3, 4.