Xerosis cutisis the medical term used to describe excessively dry skin.
It can look like dry, rough patches and make flake, itch, or possibly crack.
More severe or long-term cases may need to be treated with prescription medications.
Suparerg Suksai / EyeEm / Getty Images
This article specifically focuses on xerosis cutisxeroderma, or xerosis of the skin.
Symptoms and Appearance
Most people will experience xerosis cutis at some point.
It’s an incredibly common, and generally not a serious, skin problem.
The face is also a typical place to develop extra-dry skin.
It’s less common on the trunk.
You may not have xerosis cutis all the timeit may come and go, especially as the seasons change.
Xeroderma is more common during the extremes of winter and summer.
Your skin isn’t able to produce or hold on to hydration effectively, and it becomes abnormally dry.
Xerosis cutis happens when the skin loses more moisture than it retains.
The skin containssebaceousglands, small glands that create your skin’s natural oil.
This oil, calledsebum, helps to keep your skin lubricated and moisturized.
Hypovitaminosis, a deficiency of one or more essential vitamins can also cause dry skin.
A lack of zinc or iron can be an underlying cause too.
Is Xerosis the Same as Eczema?
No, xerosis cutis andeczemaare not the same.
However, xerosis can be both a cause and a symptom of eczema.
Risk Factors and Triggers
Dry skin can happen to anyone, at any time.
But, there are certain factors that make you more likely to develop xerosis cutis.
Diagnosis
Minor cases of xerosis cutis can often be self-diagnosed.
If you see a healthcare provider, they may conduct a physical exam and ask about your medical history.
There are also skin problems that lead to xerosis cutis, includingpsoriasis,ichthyosis, and eczema.
First and foremost, you must help your skin replenish and retain moisture.
These can be incredibly helpful if moisturizing creams just aren’t cutting it.
For xerosis cutis itch relief, an over-the-counter 1%hydrocortisone creamcan be used.
For most people, xerosis cutis can be effectively managed with over-the-counter moisturizers and good home care.
Summary
Xerosis cutis is the medical term for dry skin, a common condition.
These can help prevent xerosis cutis as well.
They can prescribe topical corticosteroids or an immune modulator to help treat xerosis cutis.
doi:10.1111/dth.12690
Fowler J.Understanding the Role of Natural Moisturizing Factor in Skin Hydration.Practical Dermatology.2012;36-40.
