A dry skin problem can be uncomfortable during winters. Your skin might feel tight and painful; it might look dull or red or flaky – a dry skin problem can be more than just a superficial issue, experts say. There are lots of good reasons to do something about your dry, itchy skin — your looks, your health, and your sanity. So its time to figure out what’s really causing your dry skin problem. For many, dry skin is not a sign of a skin condition or disease, but is simply caused by harsh soaps, itchy clothing, misusing moisturizer, and long, hot showers. But the medications you take — and even medical conditions such as diabetes, psoriasis, hypothyroidism, and malnutrition — can also cause severe dry skin. Understanding Dry Skin Let’s start with some skin basics. Normal, healthy skin is coated in a thin layer of natural lipids, or fatty substances. They keep in moisture, leaving the skin soft and supple. What causes dry skin — something in the environment — or something you’re doing t...