Xerosis

Dry Skin Can Occur in Any Part of the Body

Xerosis is the medical term for the common dry skin derived from the Greek words ‘xero’ meaning dry and ‘osis’ meaning ‘disease’ or ‘medical disorder’. Dry skin is common across age groups and is the result of lack of moisture in the skin’s outer layer. It might be due to ageing or even due to diseases.
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Symptoms
Dry skin can occur in any part of the body although some areas, such as arms, feet, hands and lower legs are more prone than others. Common symptoms of dry skin include:

1. Rough, scaly or flaky skin
2. Persistent itching
3. Cracked lips
4. Skin cracks which might even bleed in extreme situations
5. Tightness
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Causes
While any person can get dry skin, some are more prone than others. Most common causes include:

Ageing: Skin becomes thinner and drier as we age. People above the age of 40 are recommended to use a moisturizer every day to stay away from dry skin.

Climate: The place where you live affects your skin texture greatly. People living in dry climates, such as desert or extremely cold, dry places are more prone to dry skin.

Diseases: Individuals who had atopic dermatitis (eczema) as children tend to develop dry skin as adults. Even psoriasis contributes towards dry skin. 

Job: Nurses, hair stylists and those involved in professions that require them to often wash their hands with water all through the day can be affected by dry or cracked skin. Swimmers too can be affected as some pools have high chlorine levels which can cause dry skin.
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Taking showers frequently, certain medications, living in an air-conditioned surrounding 24*7, washing hands frequently and certain soaps and detergents can also contribute towards dry skin.

Treatment
Before suggesting any treatment, the dermatologist will examine your skin, question you about your problem, diagnose you and then suggest the appropriate treatment plan. If the physician doubts any underlying health problem to contribute towards dry skin, he/she may recommend you for further tests.
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Once diagnosed with dry skin, the dermatologist recommends using these treatment options:

1. A moisturizer is the best friend for a person affected with dry skin. Apply it frequently throughout the day as it can help the skin stay soft, smooth and devoid of much cracks. There are a variety of moisturizers in the form of lotions, oils, creams and ointments and the dermatologist is the right person to recommend the best-suited moisturiser for your skin. People with dry skin can use a moisturizer with urea/lactic acid as this helps water retention in the skin. However, one must use it cautiously as it might prick/sting when a person has eczema or cracked skin.
2. Try external medications such as cortisone creams or lotions if your skin is inflamed.
3. Stay away from skin products and soaps that contain alcohol, fragrances, dyes and other chemicals. Use a gentler soap with added moisturizers.
4. Don’t scrub your skin.
5. Use mild detergents that do not contain dyes or fragrances to wash clothes.
6. Bathe only once a day. Don’t take hot showers and limit your shower time to less than 10 minutes.
7. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
8. Wear soft, comfortable clothing that don’t hurt your skin. Avoid fabrics such as wool.
   
   

Read more about taking care of the largest organ in your body-skin-at www.firsteatright.com. In most cases, dry skin goes away once the above-mentioned treatment options are followed. If the problem still persists, it is better to get yourself treated by a dermatologist as untreated dry skin can result in bleeding, red patches and bacterial infection. Bacterial infection is visible via redness, swelling or pus.