| Xerosis | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Xerodermia, xerosis cutis,[1] dry skin |
 | |
| The surface of the knuckles of a hand with xeroderma | |
| Specialty | Dermatology |
| Symptoms | Low skin moisture,itching,scaling,skin cracking |
| Causes | Deficiency of certain vitamins and minerals, exposure todetergents,sunburn,choline inhibitors |
| Risk factors | Lowrelative humidity of surrounding air, frequentbathing orhand washing |
| Prevention | Skin lotions |
| Medication | Emollients |
Xeroderma,xerosis orxerosis cutis, or simplydry skin, is askin condition characterized by excessively dryskin.[2] The term derives from Greek ξηρός (xeros) 'dry' and δέρμα (derma) 'skin'.
In most cases, dry skin can safely be treated withmoisturizers (also called emollients). Xeroderma occurs most commonly on thescalp, lowerlegs,arms, hands,knuckles, the sides of theabdomen, andthighs. Symptoms most associated with xeroderma are suchskin conditions as scaling (the visible peeling of the outer skin layer),itching, andskin fissures (cracked skin).[3]
Xeroderma is a very common condition. It happens more often in the winter when the cold air outside and the hot air inside create a lowrelative humidity. This causes the skin to lose moisture and it may crack and peel.Bathing orhand washing too frequently, especially if one is using harshsoaps, can contribute to xeroderma. Xeroderma can be caused by a deficiency ofvitamin A,vitamin D,zinc,systemic illness, severesunburn, or somemedication.[4] Xeroderma can be caused bycholine inhibitors.Detergents such aswashing powder anddishwashing liquid can cause xeroderma.[5]
Today, many creams and lotions, commonly based on vegetable oils/butters, petroleum oils/jellies, andlanolin 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 the removal of natural lipids from the skin. Taking a shower or washing hands with special moisturizing soaps or body washes can protect the skin from drying out further.
Repeated application (typically over a few days) ofemollients or skin lotions/creams to the affected area will likely result in quick alleviation of xeroderma. In particular, the application of highly occlusive barriers to moisture, such aspetrolatum, vegetable oils/butters, andmineral 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).[6]
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. Some people may, however, have allergies to lanolin, producing the opposite of the desired effect.[7] 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.[citation needed]
Many skin creams include common allergens such as fragrances,parabens, and lanolin.[8]
