To many, dry skin may not be a big deal. Think again. Dry skin is often characterised by skin that looks rough, scaly, and itchy. Medically known as xerosis, this condition is caused by everyday habits.
Healing dry skin is more than just having good-looking skin — there are serious health issues, too. Here are other reasons why you should treat xerosis seriously:
Dry skin is a red flag for bigger skin problems
Normally, you’d think that dry skin only means that you need more moisture. But xerosis is also a sign of a defect in your skin’s natural barrier, making you more susceptible to harmful UV rays, bacteria, and viruses. To prevent further damage, it is important to use products that can gently heal the affected area as fast as possible.
It could signal vitamin deficiency
Rough, dull, and dry skin could also be an indicator that you are lacking essential nutrients that help your body function properly and heal itself. For instance, dry skin may signal that your body lacks vitamin A, which is important for growing new skin cells.
It could lead to more alarming complications
Because your skin is more exposed, you are more likely to develop diseases such as atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema. Having xerosis also makes your skin a prime target for infections when your dry skin develops open cracks or fissures. To prevent complications and lower the risk of xerosis, make sure to avoid places with extreme temperatures.
To check if you have dry skin, gently scratch the skin of your arm. If white marks appear, your skin is most likely dry. You may also check your elbows, knees, and heels for any signs of dryness, as these are areas where xerosis is more commonly evident.
What causes xerosis?
Dry skin is linked to a decrease in the oils on the surface of the skin. It is usually triggered by environmental factors. The following activities or conditions may lead to dry skin:
- Overcleansing or overscrubbing the skin
- Taking baths or showers using excessively hot water
- Bathing too frequently
- Vigorous towel-drying
- Living in areas of low humidity
- Living in areas with cold, dry winters
- Using central heating in your home or workplace
- Dehydration, or not drinking enough water
- Extended sun exposure
Who is at risk for xerosis?
Xerosis is worse during the cold winter months when the air is very dry and there is low humidity.
Older people are more susceptible to developing the condition than younger people. As we age, our sweat glands and sebaceous glands are less active, mostly due to changes in hormones. This makes xerosis a common problem for those 65 years old and older. Diabetes is also a risk factor, making older individuals with diabetes very likely to develop xerosis.
What are the symptoms of xerosis?
Symptoms of xerosis include:
- Skin that is dry, itchy, and scaly, especially on the arms and legs
- Skin that feels tight, especially after bathing
- White, flaky skin
- Red or pink irritated skin
- Fine cracks on the skin
How is xerosis treated?
At-home care
- Treatment is aimed at relieving your symptoms. Treating dry skin at home includes regularly using moisturisers on the skin. Usually, an oil
- based cream is more effective at holding in moisture than a water-based cream.
- Look for creams that contain the ingredients lactic acid, urea, or a combination of both. A topical steroid medication, such as one percent hydrocortisone cream, can also be used if the skin is very itchy. Ask a pharmacist to recommend a moisturising cream or product that will work for you.
- Note that products marked “lotion” instead of “cream” contain less oil. Water-based lotions may irritate xerosis instead of healing your skin or soothing symptoms. Other treatment methods include: avoiding forced heat, taking lukewarm baths or showers, drinking plenty of water
- Natural treatments such as essential oils and aloe are popular for treating xerosis, but their effects remain mostly unproven. One study even recommends avoiding aloe vera in the treatment of xerosis, as it can make skin more sensitive. Soothing agents such as coconut oil can help hold in moisture and relieve itching.
When should I see a doctor?
You should see a dermatologist if:
- your skin is oozing
- large areas of your skin are peeling
- you have a ring-shaped rash
- your skin doesn’t improve within a few weeks
- your skin gets much worse, despite treatment
You may have a fungal or bacterial infection, an allergy, or another skin condition. Excessive scratching of dry skin can also lead to an infection. Dry skin in younger people may be caused by a condition called atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema. Eczema is characterised by extremely dry, itchy skin. Blisters and hard, scaly skin are common in people with this condition. A dermatologist can help determine whether you or your child has eczema. If you are diagnosed with eczema, your treatment plan will be different from a person with xerosis.
Xerosis can be a symptom of other conditions, including:
- ringworm
- thyroid issues
- psoriasis
Therefore, it’s important not to ignore xerosis. If itching or discomfort persists after treatment, bring the symptoms to the attention of a medical professional.
How can xerosis be prevented?
Dry skin cannot always be prevented, especially as you age. However, you can help avoid or reduce the symptoms of xerosis by simply modifying your daily routine:
- Avoid bath or shower water that is too hot. Opt for lukewarm water.
- Take shorter baths or showers.
- Avoid excessive water exposure, and do not spend extended amounts of time in a hot tub or pool.
- Use gentle cleansers without any dyes, fragrances, or alcohol.
- Pat the skin dry after a shower with a towel instead of rubbing the towel on your body.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Limit the use of soap on dry areas of skin and choose mild soaps with oil added.
- Avoid scratching the affected area.
- Use oil-based moisturising lotions frequently, and directly following a bath or shower.
- Use a sunscreen when going outdoors.
- Use a humidifier to increase the moisture of the air in your home.
References: americanskin.org / healthline.com / femalenetwork.
