Dry Skin and Itching Dry skin is common in later life. The loss of sweat and oil glands as we age may also worsen dry skin. Dry skin itches because it is irritated easily. If your skin is very dry and itchy, see a doctor because this condition can affect your sleep, cause irritability, or be a symptom of a disease. For example, diabetes and kidney disease can cause itching.
Some medicines make the itchiness worse.
The best way to keep skin healthy is to avoid sun exposure beginning early in life. Put on sunscreen lotion before going out in the sun to help protect your skin from UV light. Remember to reapply the lotion as needed. Check your skin often for signs of skin cancer. If there are changes that worry you, call the doctor right away.