Xerosis

Definition

Xerosis is the medical term for dry, rough, cracking, scaly skin. It is a condition of normal hardening of aging tissue. It can occur anywhere, but it is most frequently seen on the arms and legs. It can occur at any age, but the older a person gets the more commonly xerosis is found. It is an abnormal dryness of the skin of the conjunctiva of the eye or of the mucous membranes such as dry mouth ( xerostomia ).

Dry skin consist a low level of sebum and become sensitive to accessories. Dry skin usually feels "tight" and uncomfortable after washing unless some type of moisturizer or skin cream is applied.

Causes of xerosis

Possible causes of xerosis such as includes:-

• Environmental factors such as air pollutants, cold and dry air are among the commonest causes of xerosis.
• The main cause of xerosis is the family history of dryness skin.
• Increasing age, resulting in decreased natural lubrication, which in turn leads to xerosis.
• The main cause of xerosis is lack of moisture.
• Xerosis, is most common during the winter months, when heating systems dry the air.
• Excessive showering or swimming, especially in strongly chlorinated hot or cold water.
• Allergens can trigger in the production of xerosis.
• Patients are extremely sensitive to temperature changes.
• By using the harsh soap, may lead to the condition of xerosis.
• If you come in contact with chemical agents may cause drynes of skin.
• Xerosis or dry skin may be attributable to many causes such as general dehydration , Vitamin A deficiency and diabetes.
• Hormones abnormality from the thyroid gland may lead to xerosis.
• The excessive weight loss is also the main factor of xerosis.

Symptoms of xerosis

The most common symptoms of xerosis includes:-

• The stratum corneum loses excessive water under the condition of low humidity, which dries the surface and makes the skin shiny and less pliable.
• The symptoms of dry skin include itching, flaking, and fine lines.
• The deficiency of Vitamin A in diet, may lead to the condition of xerosis.
• Wrinkles on the skin, are the earliest symptom of xerosis.
• Cracks in the skin may occur in xerosis condition.
• The skin appears tessellated with dull scales and mild erythema in chronic condition.
• Symptoms are usually exacerbated in the winter because of low outdoor humidity due to cold temperature and wind, and low indoor humidity due to central heating systems.
• Dryness is mostly occur firstly on the lower legs of patients who are middle-aged or older
• Xerosis of the foot is common in patients with diabetes and can lead to severe complications, such as ulcers, infections, and cracks in the skin.

Treatment of xerosis

Some important treatments of xerosis includes:-

• Creams and lotions that contain keratolytic agents, such as urea , salicylate, lactic acid, vitamin A, and propylene glycols are also available. These lotions are not as hydrolyzingas emollients.
• A diabetic patient with xerosis, is treated with a prescription medicated lotion. In some cases, xerosis can cause severe complications in diabetic patients, requiring amputation of the foot.
• When you have finished swimming, rinse off the chlorine with cool to warm water.
• Emollients are creams that can be applied to the affected area to prevent water from evaporating from the skin's surface.
• The skin-sensitive soap should not be used on your xerotic skin. When bathing limit the use of soap to your face, armpits, genital area, and feet.
• Maintaining a balanced diet, exercising, and drinking plenty of water contribute to healthy, supple skin.
• Oils can be added to bath water, but they are not as effective as emollient creams. .