Hello, There can be following reasons for your skin dryness. 1... Use of diuretic like hydrochlorthiazide results in water loss from skin 2.. Undetected hypothyroidism 3... Diabetes in itself can cause dry skin. Dry skin is so common in people with diabetes because diabetics regularly experience high glucose levels. When glocose levels are high, the skin and surrounding tissues are zapped of vital moiture resulting in extremely dry legs, feet and elbows.  Another cause of dry skin in diabetes patients is poor circulation. People with this disease often experience a loss of circulation and nerve sensation in their extremities. This can cause the sweat glands to slow or shut down. Without sweat to keep the skin moist, a futher drying of the skin can occur. Follow these tips for keeping your skin hydrated in spite of diabetes: 1...Try to keep your glucose levels under control. 2...Drink plenty of water. 3...Always use lotions and creams to hydrate your skin. 4....Decrease the amount of times that you bathe and use a gentle, hydrating soap when you do. Your water temperature should also be lukewarm, not hot. 5....Use a humidifer. 6.. Get tested for hypothyroidism 7... Ask your doctor to add some other anti hypertensive instead of hydrochlorthiazide,if possible. Thanks