Feeling Dry All Over? How to Find Relief

Scratchy eyes. Parched skin. Dryness down there. Here are some strategies that can help.

By Ashley Abramson

Uncomfortably dry skin is common enough as the years pass. But you may also notice that the very same issue affects your mouth, eyes, and, for women, the vagina.

Most of the time, it’s simply part of getting older, due to natural "changes in parts of our body that produce moisture, typically over age 65," says John van Bockxmeer, MD, a family medicine physician at Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York City.

But you don’t have to live with the discomfort. Home remedies and over-the-counter treatments can usually help. When they can’t, your doctor may have prescription therapies that are more effective.

Dry Mouth

Age is the most common predictor of a dry mouth, according to a 2024 Scientific Reports study, and often stems from simply not drinking enough fluids. "Your sense of thirst can change as you get older, so it’s important to make an effort to stay hydrated," says Richard Marottoli, MD, a geriatrician at Yale Medicine in New Haven, Conn. He recommends sipping 8 cups of noncaffeinated, nonalcoholic liquids (soups and juicy fruits help) daily. You can also chew gum or suck on OTC dry mouth lozenges to stimulate saliva production.

Medication side effects are another leading cause of dry mouth in older adults, says van Bockxmeer. Prescription drugs such as certain antidepressants and blood pressure medications can lead to the problem. Certain OTC antihistamines and decongestants may also dry out your mouth, along with your nose. If you suspect your meds are at fault, talk with your doctor about alternatives. And if you smoke, work toward quitting. Tobacco is a significant cause of dry mouth.

There are also medical conditions that can contribute. For instance, thyroid disease and the autoimmune disease Sjögren’s syndrome may cause dry mouth, as can type 2 diabetes (the frequent urination associated with the condition can pull moisture from your body). Thyroid-replacement meds can help with hypothyroidism, and for Sjögren’s, artificial saliva or drugs to stimulate saliva production can keep your mouth moist. For diabetes, tight blood sugar management can prevent constant thirst.

Dry Eyes

Two habits—straining your eyes to look at a screen and wearing contact lenses for long periods—can make your eyes feel dry and gritty, says van Bockxmeer. If you can’t cut back on screen time, try increasing the font size. Alternate contacts with eyeglasses.

You can also try OTC artificial tears to lubricate your eyes. Eating more omega-3 fatty acids, found in oily fish like salmon, can help improve general eye moisture, too.

And be aware that the very same medications that cause dry mouth can dry out your eyes as well; so can Sjögren’s syndrome and thyroid problems. Blepharitis, which is an inflammation of the eyelids, can cause dryness, crusting, and itchiness. Regularly applying a warm compress to the area and gently cleaning it with baby shampoo can reduce discomfort. Your doctor may recommend steroid eye drops, too.

If your dry eyes are accompanied by eye pain or any changes in your vision, which can signify a more serious problem, Marottoli recommends that you consult with an ophthalmologist.

Vaginal Dryness

This can be uncomfortable—even painful during sex—and itchy, and can also increase the risk of urinary tract infections. Dehydration can contribute, but the absence of estrogen after menopause is a more likely origin. "Menopause-related hormonal changes are probably the most common cause of vaginal dryness in older women," says Marottoli.

Medical conditions—like Sjögren’s or thyroid disease—may also be at play in some cases. As noted above, they cause dryness in other parts of the body, too.

Regular use of an OTC vaginal moisturizer may keep the area more moist and comfortable. Topical lubricants, such as silicone- or water-based gels, may help with pain during intercourse, Marottoli says.

Editor’s Note: This article also appeared in the June 2025 issue of Consumer Reports On Health.

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