Xerosis is a dry skin or chapped skin and is a common problem in the elderly but can also affect younger individuals and children.
The cause of Xerosis may be dehydration of the outer layer of the skin due to :
Low humidity, for example, in winter and under air-conditioning.
Excessive use of harsh soaps.
Inheritance (see ichthyosis).
Taking of diuretics (drugs used to remove water from the body).
Symptoms of Xerosis:
Dry skin with fine scaling, usually most prominent on the legs.
Generalised itching.
Complications :
Xerotic eczema may develop when the skin is so dry that it cracks and becomes inflamed.
What you can do :
restoring moisture to the skin and;
stopping the itch-scratch cycle so irritated skin can heal.
Cleanse with a gentle soap (Dove, Aveeno, Basis).
Apply moisturizer frequently (Neutrogena, Purpose, Eucerin).
Drink plenty of water.
Minimize the number of showers and baths per week and avoid very hot water.
A thin film of over-the-counter Cortisone cream applied twice a day may alleviate itching.
What the doctor may do :
Exclude underlying causes.
Prescribe topical steroids if complicated by xerotic eczema or nummular dermatitis.
Nummular dermatitis or discoid eczema has a tendency to develop in areas of xerosis.
Laser Hair Removal
Paralumun New Age Village