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Definition:
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Xerosis is an abnormal dryness of the skin or mucus membranes.
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Alternative Names:
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Asteatotic eczema; Eczema craquele
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Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
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Dry skin usually gets worse during the winter.
Older people are usually affected more by this condition.
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Symptoms:
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Your skin may get dry, scaly, itchy, and red. You may also have fine cracks on the skin.
The problem is usually worse on the arms and legs.
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Treatment:
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Treatments include:
- Moisturizers, especially creams or lotions that contain urea and lactic acid
- Topical steroids -- for areas that get very inflamed and itchy
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Prevention:
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- Do not expose your skin to water more than needed.
- Use cool bath water.
- Choose gentle skin cleansers that are free of dyes and perfumes.
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References:
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Gilchrest BA. Skin disorders. In: Duthie EH, Katz PR, Malone ML, eds. Practice of Geriatrics. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 38.
Habif TP. Eczema and hand dermatitis. In: Habif TP, ed. Clinical Dermatology. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:chap 3.
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