What Is Xerosis?

Xerosis is a medical term for describing dry skin conditions. The name xerosis comes from the Greek world "xero" which means dry. Xerosis is a common disease in the community, especially among the elderly. This disease usually occurs within a short time, but did not close the possibility occured in a long time ( chronic ).

Human skin needs a moisturizer to keep it soft and healthy. With age, skin moisture decreases because of decreased oil gland activity and fluid intake also tends to decrease in the elderly. That's what causes the skin becomes dry and rough. Dry skin will indirectly disturb the appearance and confidence of a person.

Xerosis can occur in both men and women regardless of age, but parents have a higher risk of developing this condition. People who live in low temperature places, in areas with low humidity, and often swim in chlorinated pools also have a higher risk.

Consuming enough mineral water every day can actually help prevent xerosis, but the habit is not necessarily enough because xerosis is also influenced by many other factors. In order to avoid a more serious impact, it is important for all of us to know the cause and the symptoms.


Causes of Xerosis
Xerosis can be caused by environmental factors as well as other factors such as the influence of drugs and certain conditions. Drugs such as diuretics and retinoids are thought to cause xerosis. Hormonal imbalances, such as those found in menopausal conditions, hypothyroidism, and hyperthyroidism may occasionally cause xerosis. But in most cases, xerosis is caused by the following things:

• Living in a cold area with low humidity.
• Use of soaps with hazardous chemicals.
• Often rubbing the skin hard and rough.
• Shower too often in a day.
• Too long exposed to sunlight.
• Frequent bathing with hot water.
• Water shortage (dehydration).
• Dry your skin too hard using a towel after bathing.

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Symptoms of Xerosis
Symptoms of xerosis vary, depending on the underlying factors, such as age, health condition, shelter, and so forth. Symptoms indicating the condition of xerosis include:

• The skin feels dry, rough, itchy, and scaly, especially in the arms and legs
• The skin looks pale, dull, and whitish
• The skin is irritated and becomes reddish
• Skin is cracked, peeling, and possibly bleeding

Diagnosis of Xerosis
Xerosis can be identified from its symptoms. If you notice any of the above symptoms, it is better to contact your doctor immediately before making a more severe impact. In diagnosing xerosis, the doctor will perform a number of physical examination actions and ask the patient's disease history.

In addition, the doctor will also find out when the patient started experiencing xerosis, any things that make the condition of xerosis improved or worsened, the patient's bath habits, diet, the form of skin care patients do, and examine the possibility of the influence of other diseases.


Treatment of Xerosis
In most cases, xerosis can be treated with self-medication. Patients can overcome the symptoms that are felt by using a moisturizer. Oil-based moisturizer is more effective than water-based moisturizers. Look for creams or ointments containing lactic acid and urea.

To overcome and prevent the impact of xerosis is not widespread, doctors usually provide hydrocortisone cream. Other drugs that may be given are corticosteroids or immune modulators (eg pimecrolimus and tacrolimus). These medicines are used to relieve itching, redness, and inflammation.

Xerosis is generally harmless, but it can cause complications if left untreated. If the symptoms do not subside and the skin condition does not improve within a few weeks, the doctor will perform a follow-up examination to find out the cause and find ways to overcome it.

If that happens, the possible impact of xerosis is already widespread and leads to complications. Illnesses that may be caused by xerosis include atopic dermatitis (skin allergies), skin infections (live bacteria in peeling skin), ichthyosis (dry and thickened skin), or psoriasis (red, peeling, and scaly rash).


Prevention of Xerosis
Xerosis can be prevented in many ways, ranging from simple skin care methods or by improving the pattern of everyday life. Broadly speaking, the core of these activities is to keep skin moist. Here are some steps to prevent the emergence of xerosis:

• Use moisturizer . Moisturizers can be used to maintain healthy skin, provided it does not contain alcohol. You can also use baby oil . Moisturizers and baby oil are well used after bathing, while the skin is still wet.
• Do not take too long . Natural oils that stick to the surface of the skin can be lost if you take too long, especially if you use hot water. Therefore, limit the duration of your bath, just 5-10 minutes once bathed.
• Do not carelessly use soap . To keep skin moist, do not use soap with harsh chemicals. Choose a soap that contains extra oil in it.
• Put a moisturizing room . Room with hot and dry air can make skin more sensitive, itchy, even peeling. Installing a humidifier can be an alternative to keep skin moist.
• Do not scratch the skin excessively . Scratching and excessively rubbing the skin can make the skin itch, redness, rough, looks dull, peeling, and damaged.
• Protects skin in cold weather . If traveling to areas that are cold or even snowy, better use gloves, scarves, and hats to cover the skin so as not to dry quickly.
• Eat foods with omega-3 . Foods containing omega-3s such as salmon, sardines, and safflower oils produce essential fatty acids that can help maintain natural oil levels in the skin.
• Use sunscreen . The use of sunscreen while doing outdoor activities can protect the skin from the sun. For normal skin, choose sunscreen with SPF 15 levels to keep skin from burning.
• Eat mineral water every day. Adequate supply of mineral water every day will avoid the body from dehydration. This water supply will help the skin not dry. Therefore, multiply the consumption of mineral water.

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