Extremely Dry Skin: Xerosis Definition
It can be highly frustrating when you have dry skin. Especially when all you want to do is go outside and enjoy the summer weather, but your skin is just so dry, it won’t stop itching! If this sounds like you, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Dry skin, or xerosis, is a prevalent condition that affects many people. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what causes dry skin and provide some tips on how to manage it. So read on if you’re interested in discovering more about this condition!
What is Xerosis?
Xerosis is a common skin condition that results in dry, cracked, or scaly skin. While xerosis can occur at any age, it is most common in people over 60. Xerosis is often caused by a loss of natural oils in the skin, which can be due to sun, wind, or cold weather exposure. It can also be caused by certain medications, such as antihistamines, isotretinoin, and diuretics.
Xerosis can also be a side effect of certain medical conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema. The symptoms of xerosis can vary from person to person, but they often include dryness, redness, scaling, itching, and inflammation. In severe cases, xerosis can lead to bacterial infections of the skin.
Treatment for Xerosis
Depending on the severity of the condition, there are a few different treatment options available for xerosis. For mild cases, simple lifestyle changes such as increasing humidity in the home or using more emollient-based products can be enough to alleviate symptoms. For more severe cases, topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors may be recommended. In addition, phototherapy treatments such as UVA/UVB therapy or PUVA therapy can reduce the dryness and scale associated with xerosis. If you are concerned about xerosis, talk to your doctor about the best treatment option.
Prevention Tips for Xerosis
Fortunately, there are several things that you can do to help prevent xerosis from developing or becoming worse. First, it is vital to keep your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water and using moisturizing products. It would be best to avoid long hot showers or baths, which can strip your skin of natural oils. In addition, be sure to protect your skin from the sun by wearing sunscreen and clothing that covers exposed areas.
Complications of xerosis
Xerosis can lead to several complications, including cracked skin, fissures, and infection. Cracked skin is caused by the loss of moisture in the outer layer of the skin, which can lead to inflammation and irritation. Fissures are small cracks or breaks in the skin that can become infected. Infection can occur when bacteria or fungi enter the broken skin and cause an infection. Treatment for xerosis typically involves moisturizing the skin and using topical agents to treat any cracked skin or fissures. In last resort cases, oral medications may be necessary to treat an infection. Complications of xerosis can be uncomfortable and potentially dangerous. It is essential to seek medical treatment if you experience any symptoms of xerosis.
Conclusion
Xerosis is a condition that can cause severe skin damage. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of xerosis, you must see a doctor immediately. There are various treatments available for this condition. With early diagnosis, you can get on the path to healthy skin. Thanks for reading!
References
- Augustin, M., Wilsmann‐Theis, D., Körber, A., Kerscher, M., Itschert, G., Dippel, M., & Staubach, P. (2019). Diagnosis and treatment of xerosis cutis – a position paper. JDDG: Journal Der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, 17(S7), 3–33. https://doi.org/10.1111/ddg.13906