Xeroderma


Xeroderma, xerosis or xerosis cutis, or simply dry skin, is a skin condition characterized by excessively dry skin. The medical term xeroderma is derived from the Greek words meaning dry skin.
In most cases, dry skin can safely be treated with emollients or moisturizers. Xeroderma occurs most commonly on the scalp, lower legs, arms, hands, the knuckles, the sides of the abdomen, and thighs. Symptoms most associated with xeroderma are scaling, itching, and skin cracking.

Causes

Xeroderma is a very common condition. It happens more often in the winter when the cold air outside and the hot air inside creates a low relative humidity. This causes the skin to lose moisture and it may crack and peel. Bathing or hand washing too frequently, especially if one is using harsh soaps, can contribute to xeroderma. Xeroderma can be caused by a deficiency of vitamin A, vitamin D, zinc, systemic illness, severe sunburn, or some medication. Xeroderma can be caused by choline inhibitors. Detergents such as washing powder and dishwashing liquid can cause xeroderma.

Prevention

Today, many creams and lotions, commonly based on vegetable oils/butters, petroleum oils/jellies, and even lanolin are widely available. As a preventive measure, such products may be rubbed onto the affected area as needed to prevent dry skin. The skin is then patted dry to prevent removal of natural lipids from the skin.

Treatment

Repeated application of emollients or skin lotions/creams to the affected area will likely result in quick alleviation of xeroderma. In particular, application of highly occlusive barriers to moisture, such as petrolatum, vegetable oils/butters, and mineral oil have been shown to provide excellent results. Many individuals find specific commercial skin creams and lotions quite effective. 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 as among the most powerful treatments for xeroderma. However, lanolin is a common allergen. Also, pure lanolin is a thick waxy substance which, for many individuals, proves difficult and inconvenient for general use on dry skin. As a result, many formulated lanolin products, having a softer consistency than pure lanolin, are available.

Safety

Many skin creams include common allergens such as fragrances, parabens, and lanolin.