For millions of people all around the world, the yearly changing of the seasons is accompanied by a change in the condition of our skin. The sweaty, oily skin of the summer can become dryer, cracked and even sandpaper-line in the wintertime. Most people don’t give it a second though. They simply apply another layer of aloe vera lotion and look forward to warmer weather. But for some people that suffer from dry skin, it can actually be a sign of something more.

If your dry skin has reached a point where you want to consult a medical professional, be prepared to answer a series of questions about your condition. It is a good idea to keep a diary of your dry skin. Makes notes on the weather that day, the fabric that the clothes you wore that day were made of and how much sun you got. The better records you keep, the easier it will be for the doctor to take care of you and diagnose you properly.

You also want to bring in bottles of whatever creams or lotions you use on your skin. It is possible, although unlikely, that you are having an allergic reaction to a cream that you are using to try to heal your dry skin. Also note when you bathe and for how long and give an approximation on how hot the water you use is. Using water that is too hot can actually damage the skin and cause dry skin in some people.

One common skin condition that has dry skin as a regular symptom is Keratosis pilaris. This condition is known by your skin always appearing to have “goose bumps.” It is most common on the arms, buttocks and on the upper legs. The bumps generally do not itch or even hurt in any way, they are simply an odd condition for your skin to be in.

Most of the time, the bumps are the same color as the surrounding skin, but if you have been disturbing them, they can turn red and appear inflamed. This condition is most common in young people and in some cases, it disappears by itself once a person reaches middle age. There is no cure to this strange ailment, but common treatments include moisturizing and the discontinuation of abrasive hair removal techniques on the infected area.

If you wax or shave areas that show signs of this condition, it will tend to appear more irritated and there is a better chance the area with itch.

Ichthyosis vulgaris is a disorder that is more well known by another name: fish scale disease. This unsightly condition is marked by what appears to be scaly skin on the arms and legs. The skin in these areas does not shed properly and it instead clumps on the surface of the skin, giving the appearance of fish scales.

While most of this disease is simply inconvenient and socially awkward, you can also develop extremely painful cracks in your skin, most commonly on the palms of your hands and on the soles of your feet. This condition is almost exclusively genetic, so it isn’t something you can “catch” from someone else. There are ointments your doctor can provide to keep your skin hydrated so the trademark flaking is held to a minimum.

Dry skin is, at most, a mild distraction for the vast majority of people who experience it every year. But for a small percentage of folks who have to deal with a much more serious condition, dry skin can be a very big deal indeed. If you feel that you might suffer from one of these diseases, contact a medical professional right away.