Xerosis - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Definition

Xerosis is medical term for dry skin. Dry skin is caused by a lack of moisture. Dry skin mostly occurs during the winter months, when heating systems dry the air. Dry skin happens generally after taking bath with hot water, spending extended periods of time in the hot sun and the skin’s natural aging process also remove moisture and oils from the skin. Dry skin has a low level of sebum and can be prone to sensitivity. The skin has a parched look caused by its inability to retain moisture. Chapping and cracking are signs of extremely dry, dehydrated skin. Central heating of home and other buildings is very drying to the skin. The climate in central Illinois and specifically Champaign-Urbana makes dry skin symptoms more severe. Conditions that dry the skin out include the low humidity of winter, frequent washing, and contact with hot water, the use of soaps and detergents, and older age.

Causes

1. Dry skin is caused by a lack of moisture. This is most common during the winter months, when heating systems dry the air.
2. In healthy skin the sebaceous glands release an oily substance called sebum, which keeps the skin moist, supple and waterproof. Dry skin is caused due to deficiency of this oil.
3. As people get older, the number of sebaceous glands that give out a type of oil in the skin are reduced, as is the skin's ability to hold moisture.
4. Some people are just born with "sensitive skin" that is prone to dryness.
5. When the humidity is high less evaporation occurs, but during times of low humidity evaporation proceeds rapidly and xerosis becomes more prominent. So, environment also plays a big role in causing dryness or xerosis.

Symptoms

1. There may be symptoms like tightness or tautness after bathing.
2. Develop fluid-filled sores that can ooze fluid or crust over. This can happen when the skin is rubbed or scratched or if a skin infection is present. This is known as an acute oozing rash.
3. Skin appearing shrunken or dehydrated.
4. Chapping and cracking are signs of extremely dry, dehydrated skin.
5. There may be tiny expression lines on these spots and at the comers of the mouth.
6. Symptoms are often worse in the winter because of lower humidity both indoors i.e. due to central heating and outdoors i.e. due to exposure to cold and wind.

Treatment

1. Soap irritates and dries the skin, soap should not be used on your xerotic skin. When bathing limit the use of soap to your face, armpits, genital area, and feet.
2. Severe xerosis, as in diabetic patients, is treated with a prescription medicated lotion. In some cases, xerosis can cause severe complications in diabetic patients, requiring amputation of the foot.
3. Several moisturizers can be used to keep the dryness away from your skin.
4. Treat the eczematous patches with a topical steroid for a 5 to 15 day course. These are prescribed by your doctor.