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X e r o s i s
Topics discussed on
this page:
Xerosis
Pruritis
Eczema |
Moisturizers
Emollients
Keratolytics |
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What is xerosis?
Xerosis (pronounced "zeer-o-sis")
is the medical term for dry skin. Xerosis may become flaky and itchy, a
condition known as "Pruritis".
When it becomes red and painful, it is known as "Eczema".
What causes xerosis?
Xerosis may be caused by
several factors:
- Excessive
washing. (It may seem like bathing should be helpful to treat dry
skin, but washing the feet will remove oils in the skin, thereby drying it.)
- Using harsh
soaps. (Many soaps will remove oils even more effectively than plain
water. Good choices are moisturizing soaps.)
-
Neuropathy
associated with medical conditions such as
diabetes.
(Alterations in the function of nerves will alter how the skin regulates its
moisture content.)
- Certain endocrine
(hormonal) disorders.
- Excessive use of
certain topical medications that may dry the skin.
- Winter weather.
(Home heating systems usually dry the air, thereby drying the skin.)
- Certain types of
bacterial
skin infections.
-
Fungal
skin infections.
How do
you treat xerosis?
Treatment
of xerosis usually involves one of the following methods:
- Moisturizers
(creams that put moisture back into the skin).
- Emollients
(creams that prevent moisture in the skin from evaporating.)
- Oils
(Preferably applied directly to the skin and not in a bath, which again, may
dry the skin.)
- Keratolytics
(topical agents that remove the dead, flaky portions of skin.)
Examples include the Urea creams (such as Uremol and Ultramide), Lactic acid
creams (such as Lac-Hydrin), Hyaluronic Acid creams (such as Dormer 211),
Salicylic Acids creams (such as Kerasal).
- Fungal
medications There
are many fungal medications--sprays, liquids, oils, powders, creams,
ointments, lotions, and pills--that may resolve xerosis caused by fungal
infection. The most common group of anti-fungals is the
"-azoles" group (Econazole, Miconazole, Ticonazole, etc.)
- Prescription
medications
When over-the-counter agents fail, prescription medications from your
podiatrist may be necessary.
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