Xerosis is the medical term for dry skin. Xerosis can occur in both men and women regardless of age, but the elderly are more at risk of experiencing it. This disease can occur in a short time or occur in a long time (chronic).
Xerosis is mostly found in people who live in cold areas with low humidity levels. This condition can be avoided by consuming enough water every day. Fluid intake is very necessary because fluids are needed to moisturize human skin to keep it soft and healthy.
Symptoms of Xerosis
Xerosis or dry skin will appear as follows:
- Dry, rough and scaly, especially on the arms and legs.
- Pale, dull, and whitish in color.
- Becomes red due to irritation.
- Cracking, peeling, and prone to bleeding.
Dry skin can cause itching. If the cracked skin is scratched, it can expand and cause skin infections.
Dry skin can be treated at home, but sufferers should see a doctor immediately if symptoms occur, such as:
- The occurrence of large peeling skin.
- The appearance of a ring-shaped rash.
- Does not improve or even worsens after using dry skin care products.
- Passing fluid or pus.
Causes of Xerosis
Xerosis or dry skin can be caused by conditions that occur in the human body, for example:
- Inherited dry skin gene
- Menopause
- Dehydration
- Suffering from thyroid disease
- Suffering from kidney failure
- Malnutrition
- Experiencing drastic weight loss
- Medications used, such as diuretics, retinoids, or chemotherapy.
In addition, xerosis can also be triggered by several factors from the following environment:
- The use of bath soap with certain chemicals, for example added fragrance.
- Scrubbing the skin vigorously and roughly, for example when drying the skin with a towel.
- Bathing too often, especially with hot water.
- Too long exposure to the sun.
Although it can happen to everyone, xerosis is more common in people who are over 40 years old, have a hobby of swimming, or have jobs that require immersing body parts in water.
Xerosis Diagnosis
Xerosis can be recognized from the signs that appear on the skin. To find the cause, the doctor will ask in detail about the onset of the complaint, what things make xerosis improve or worsen, the form of skin care taken (to bathing habits), dietary patterns, and examine the possibility of other diseases suffered by the patient. .
In addition to checking the patient's health, the doctor will also ask about the environmental conditions of the xerosis sufferer that can trigger the emergence of the disease. If another skin disease is suspected, the dermatologist will perform a skin biopsy, by taking a sample of skin tissue for examination under a microscope.
If xerosis appears in children, the doctor will examine other families and ask about the condition of the child's skin at birth. The doctor will also examine the child's nails, hair, and teeth to find the cause.
Xerosis Treatment
In most cases, xerosis or dry skin can be treated by using a moisturizer. Oil-based moisturizers are more effective than water-based moisturizers. To treat dry skin, look for a moisturizer that contains lactic acid and urea.
If dry skin does not improve after treatment with moisturizers, consult a doctor. The doctor will give you a corticosteroid cream, such as: hydrocortisone. Other drugs that can be given are creams that affect the skin's immune system, such as pimecrolimus or tacrolimus. These medications are used to relieve itching, redness, and inflammation.
Xerosis Prevention
Xerosis can be prevented in various ways, ranging from simple skin care methods or by improving your daily lifestyle. The goal is to keep the skin moisturised.
Here are some steps to prevent the appearance of xerosis:
- Don't take too long a bath. Natural oils that stick to the surface of the skin can be lost if you bathe for too long, especially if you use hot water. Therefore, limit the duration of your bath, just 5-10 minutes once showered.
- Choose the right soap. To maintain, choose a soap that contains added oil in it.
- Using skin moisturizer. Skin moisturizer can be used to maintain healthy skin, as long as it does not contain alcohol. You can also use baby oil. Moisturizer and baby oil good to use after bathing, when the skin is still wet.
- installroom humidifier. A hot and dry room can make the skin more sensitive, itchy, and even peeling. Installing a humidifier can be an alternative to keep the skin moist.
- Protects skin when it's cold. If traveling to a cold or even snowy area, it is better to use gloves, a scarf, and a hat to cover the skin so it doesn't dry out quickly.
- Use sunscreen. The use of sunscreen when doing outdoor activities can protect the skin from sunburn.
- Don't scratch the skin excessively. Excessive scratching and rubbing of the skin can make the skin red, rough, look dull, peeling, and damaged.
- Drink enough water every day. Adequate fluid intake keeps the skin from drying out.
- Eat foods that contain omega-3. Foods that contain omega-3s such as salmon produce fats that help moisturize the skin.
Xerosis Complications
Xerosis generally rarely causes complications, if treated properly. However, a person with xerosis is more susceptible to skin infections, especially if the skin is scratched.