An Overview on Bumpy and Rough skin

Rough skin can affect women and men of all ages and the areas like face, hands, feet, neck, legs and other parts of the body also. This rough skin is generally due to the dryness and the dead skin cells.

In this article we will be focusing on the following points:

• What is rough skin?
• Causes of rough skin
• Rough skin in different areas
• How to make rough skin smooth?

What is rough skin?

Sometimes the skin feels uneven, irregular and rugged to touch, especially on the feet, hands and also on the face, which is often caused due to the build-up of the dead skin cells and dryness. The natural process of renewal of the skin slows down with the age. But there are many factors that can contribute to the accumulation of the dead skin cells and can expedite bumpy and rough skin. 

Causes of rough skin

Sebum (oil) is produced by the skin naturally. When there is excess production of natural oil, it leads to pimples and acne. But sebum production is also beneficial as it protects the skin from infection and keeps the skin hydrated.

Dryness can be there if the skin is not replenishing and producing enough of the sebum.

Dryness can lead to bumpy, flaky, itchy and also red patches. It lacks water and appears dull and rough. The dry rough patches, tiny bumps, usually on the thighs, cheeks or upper harms is known as keratosis pilaris. It is a common skin condition and can be treated with creams containing lactic acid, alpha hydroxy acids and salicylic acid.

Possible causes of rough and dry skin:

• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Hypothyroidism
• Cold weather
• Dry air
• Unstable skin pH
• Excessive washing of the skin
• Overgoing out in the sun
• Various skin condition like seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis
• Uncontrolled exposure to harsh chemicals

Rough skin on different areas

• Feet

There is a limited number of oil glands present on the feet, which generally means the skin is more thick and dry on the feet. Rough skin on the feet is accompanied by calluses which are caused by the friction created due to cracked heels, or by wearing shoes that result from the feet holding up the weight of the body.

• Hands

The roughness in the hands is generally caused by the dryness of the skin. The hands are more susceptible to dryness because of the presence of fewer oil glands and hands are exposed to a number of grating factors. Contact with harsh chemicals, extreme weather conditions, and frequent washing of the hands reduces the moisture level from the skin and leads to rough skin on hands.

• Face

If the moisturizer that you are using for the face is unable to improve the dry rough patches on the skin and other areas on the face like eyebrows, around the nose, then your skin condition is solely responsible for the rough skin on the face. The red, rough skin on the cheeks is mainly due to eczema while irritated rough skin with thick scales is generally due to psoriasis.

• Neck

The rough and small bumps in the neck area can be seen in those men who shave regularly or folliculitis is one of the reasons for rough skin on the neck. The burns caused due to razors and sometimes ingrown hair are also responsible for the rough skin on the neck.

How to make rough skin smooth?

One can make the rough skin smooth by several methods. The foremost treatment choice depends upon the type of rough and bumpy skin and the location or the area. The treatment also depends upon the different skin types.

Some of the remedies to get rid of the rough skin:

• Moisturize well

Generally, moisturizers lock the moisture on the skin and prevent the water from escaping. Moisturizer should be applied several times a day and also after bathing, an ultra hydrating moisturizer for dry skin and oil-free mattifying moisturizer for oily skin works best. A person having extremely dry skin can apply an oil, such as baby oil or coconut oil. As oil has more staying capability and stops the evaporation of water from the skin's surface.

Always clean your face with a gentle cleanser before applying the moisturizer. Petroleum jelly can also be used as it is very gentle on the skin.

• Limit bath time and use warm water

Bath or shower time should be limited from 5-10 minutes only and one should use warm water instead of hot water. Hot water and long baths or showers remove the oils from the surface of the skin leaving it dry and feels rough. This is one of the main causes of rough and dull skin.

• Avoid harsh soaps

Gentle skin cleansers, shower and bath gels with added moisturizers, and cleansing creams are the best option to use while bathing. Try to choose mild soaps that have added fats and oils especially for the dry skin. Fragrances, alcohol, deodorants and antibacterial detergents should be avoided.

• Use a humidifier

Hot, dry, and indoor air can scorch the sensitive skin and can aggravate the flaking and itching. One can use a portable humidifier at home as a home remedy or a humidifier can be attached to the furnace. The main function of the humidifier is to add moisture inside the home. It should be cleaned from time to time.

• Choosing the right fabric for the skin

The fabric also irritates the surface of the skin, therefore it is very important to choose the right fabric. Cotton and silk being natural to allow the skin to breathe, but wool even though natural, can even irritate the normal skin. Clothes should always be washed with detergents without perfumes and dyes as they both can irritate the skin.

FAQs

1.What is the cause of rough skin?

The main cause of the rough skin is excess production of the oil, dryness and accumulation of the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin.

2. How do I get rid of rough skin?

Moisturizing your skin, avoiding harsh skin care products, soaps and chemicals, using warm water for bathing, limiting the time of bathing or shower to 5-10 minutes, avoiding too much sun exposure, and following a proper skin care routine are some the methods to get rid of the rough skin.

3. What to avoid when you have rough skin?

Over-exfoliation and vigorous scrubbing, scratchy fibres, tight clothes, hot and long showers, should be avoided if you have rough and bumpy skin. Alcohol and fragrance free products should be used.

The process of shedding and renewal of the skin usually goes unnoticed. Rough bumpy skin feels coarse to touch and has uneven texture and is common on the body and the face. A good moisturizer helps to restore the softness and smoothness of the skin, and relieves the dry skin. A combination of hydration and exfoliation improves the rough bumpy, and cracked skin.

If these methods do not relieve the symptoms of the rough skin, you should consult a dermatologist.