Xerosis, or dry skin, is a benign condition that affects many individuals, but especially individuals over the age of 60. Xerosis is characterized by dull appearing skin that is often rough and scaly. Severe xerosis can be itchy and can lead to fissuring, or cracking of the skin. Xerosis can affect skin anywhere on the body, the most common site being the shins.
WHAT CAUSES XEROSIS?
Xerosis is caused by loss of moisture in the outer layer of the skin, known as the stratum corneum. Often in older adults, xerosis can be attributed to loss of sweat and oil glands, many years of sun exposure, medications, smoking, or dehydration.
TREATING XEROSIS
The goal of treating xerosis is to improve the skin barrier, to reduce inflammation and itchiness, and to decrease water loss through the skin. The most important treatment for xerosis is liberal application of thick emollients or moisturizers. The best time to apply them is within 3 minutes of exiting the shower or bath. Topical steroids or calcineurin inhibitors can help with severely dry skin that has become inflamed. Reducing bathing frequency, only using soaps on “hot spots” like the armpits, groin, and feet, and using humidifiers can also be helpful with maintaining skin moisture.
REFERENCES
Augustin, M., Wilsmann-Theis, D., Körber, A., Kerscher, M., Itschert, G., Dippel, M., & Staubach, P. (2019). Diagnosis and treatment of xerosis cutis – a position paper. JDDG: Journal Der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft , 17 (S7), 3–33. doi: 10.1111/ddg.13906 Bolognia, JL., Jorizzo, JJ., Schaffer, JV., Callen, JP., Cerroni, L., Heymann, WR., … Schwarz, T. (2012). Dermatology, 3rd edition . London: Elsevier. Dry skin: Overview. (n.d.). Retrieved April 12, 2020, from https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/dry-skin-overview
