Dry skin

Xerosis
Other names: Xerodermia, xerosis cutis, xerosis cutis[1] dry skin
The surface of the knuckles of a hand with xeroderma
SpecialtyDermatology
SymptomsLow skin moisture, itching, scaling, skin cracking[2]
CausesDeficiency of certain vitamins and minerals, exposure to detergents, sunburn, choline inhibitors
Risk factorsLow relative humidity of surrounding air, frequent bathing or hand washing
PreventionSkin lotions
MedicationEmollients
FrequencyCommon[2]

Dry skin, also known as xeroderma, typically feels rough and tight, and may appear flaky or scaly.[2][3] There may be an associated itch with scratch marks that may increase the risk of infection.[2]

Causes of dry skin include some skin conditions and systemic diseases, environmental changes, certain medicines, and older age.[2] Diagnosis is by appearance.[2] A blood test may reveal an underlying thyroid disorder or vitamin deficiency.[2] A skin biopsy may be required to confirm some rare conditions.[2]

Treatment is generally with emollients or moisturizers.[2] Adequate hydration and changes to the environment such as a room humidifier may help.[2]

The medical term xeroderma is derived from the Greek words meaning dry skin.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms most associated with xeroderma are scaling (the visible peeling of the outer skin layer), itching, and skin cracking.[4] Xeroderma occurs most commonly on the scalp, lower legs, arms, hands, the knuckles, the sides of the abdomen, and thighs. [4]

  • Dry skin
    Dry skin
  • Dry skin
    Dry skin
  • Dry skin
    Dry skin
  • Dry skin
    Dry skin
  • Effects of xeroderma on the hand
    Effects of xeroderma on the hand

Causes

Xeroderma is a very common condition. It happens more often in the winter when the cold air outside and the hot air inside creates a low relative humidity. This causes the skin to lose moisture and it may crack and peel. Bathing or hand washing too frequently, especially if one is using harsh soaps, can contribute to xeroderma. Xeroderma can be caused by a deficiency of vitamin A, vitamin D, zinc, systemic illness, severe sunburn, or some medication.[5] Xeroderma can be caused by choline inhibitors. Detergents such as washing powder and dishwashing liquid can cause xeroderma.

Prevention

Today, many creams and lotions, commonly based on vegetable oils/butters, petroleum oils/jellies, and even lanolin[6] are widely available. As a preventive measure, such products may be rubbed onto the affected area as needed (often every other day) to prevent dry skin. The skin is then patted dry to prevent removal of natural lipids from the skin.[7] Taking a shower or washing your hands with special moisturizing soaps or body washes[8] can protect your skin from drying out further.

Treatment

Repeated application (typically over a few days) of emollients or skin lotions/creams to the affected area will likely result in quick alleviation of xeroderma. In particular, application of highly occlusive barriers to moisture, such as petrolatum, vegetable oils/butters, and mineral oil have been shown to provide excellent results. Many individuals find specific commercial skin creams and lotions (often comprising oils, butters, and or waxes emulsified in water) quite effective (although individual preferences and results vary among the wide array of commercially available creams). Lanolin, a natural mixture of lipids derived from sheep's wool, helps replace natural lipids in human skin and has been used since ancient times (and in modern medicine) as among the most powerful treatments for xeroderma. However, lanolin is a common allergen. Also, pure lanolin is a thick waxy substance which, for many individuals, proves difficult and inconvenient for general use on dry skin (especially over large areas of the body). As a result, many formulated lanolin products, having a softer consistency than pure lanolin, are available.

Safety

Many skin creams include common allergens such as fragrances, parabens, and lanolin.[9]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Rapini, Ronald P.; Bolognia, Jean L.; Jorizzo, Joseph L. (2007). Dermatology: 2-Volume Set. St. Louis: Mosby. ISBN 978-1-4160-2999-1.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Gade, Anita; Matin, Taraneh; Rubenstein, Richard (2023). "Xeroderma". StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. Archived from the original on 28 November 2022. Retrieved 4 August 2023.
  3. ↑ "Dry Skin (Xeroderma) - Skin Disorders". Merck Manuals Consumer Version. Archived from the original on 11 January 2020. Retrieved 11 January 2020.
  4. 1 2 Proksch, Ehrhardt; Berardesca, Enzo; Misery, Laurent; Engblom, Johan; Bouwstra, Joke (19 June 2019). "Dry skin management: practical approach in light of latest research on skin structure and function". Journal of Dermatological Treatment. 31 (7): 716–722. doi:10.1080/09546634.2019.1607024. ISSN 0954-6634. PMID 30998081. S2CID 121354592. Archived from the original on 27 August 2021. Retrieved 9 February 2021.
  5. ↑ "Entry on medterms.com". Archived from the original on 23 January 2014. Retrieved 25 August 2010.
  6. ↑ Overview of Lanolin Basics at www.lanicare.com/lanolin.html Archived 20 July 2012 at the Wayback Machine
  7. ↑ Lee, Doctor. "Dry Skin Prevention". Archived from the original on 21 November 2011. Retrieved 18 August 2011.
  8. ↑ "Dry Skin Prevention - soaps and body washes". GuidingBeauty. Archived from the original on 28 November 2020. Retrieved 21 February 2019.
  9. ↑ Zirwas MJ, Stechschulte SA (2008). "Moisturizer allergy: diagnosis and management". The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. 1 (4): 38–44. PMC 3016930. PMID 21212847.
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