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Xeroderma
What is Xeroderma ?
What Causes Xeroderma? Many Contributing Factors:
The skin's outer layer acts as a barrier, retaining moisture and protecting underlying tissues. Xeroderma occurs when this barrier is compromised, leading to increased water loss. Several factors can contribute:
* Environmental Factors:
* Low Humidity: Dry air, especially during winter or in arid climates, draws moisture away from the skin ( звонок et al., 2014).
* Cold Weather: Low temperatures can also dry out the skin.
* Wind: Exposure to wind can strip the skin of its natural oils.
* Frequent Washing: Excessive washing, especially with hot water and harsh soaps, removes the skin's natural protective oils ( звонок et al., 2014).
* Harsh Soaps and Detergents: Many soaps, shampoos, and laundry detergents contain chemicals that can irritate the skin and strip away its moisture barrier.
* Aging: As we age, our skin produces less sebum (oil) and its ability to retain moisture decreases, making older adults more prone to dry skin ( звонок et al., 2014).
* Medical Conditions: Certain skin conditions like eczema (atopic dermatitis) and psoriasis are often associated with dry skin. Systemic diseases like hypothyroidism and diabetes can also contribute.
* Medications: Some medications, such as diuretics and certain acne treatments, can have dry skin as a side effect.
* Nutritional Deficiencies: Although less common in developed countries, deficiencies in certain nutrients like essential fatty acids can contribute to dry skin.
* Genetics: Some individuals are genetically predisposed to having drier skin.
Are There Different "Types" of Xeroderma? Severity and Associated Conditions:
While "xeroderma" is the general term for dry skin, it can vary in severity and can be associated with other conditions:
* Xerosis Cutis: This is the most common term for ordinary dry skin.
* Mild Xeroderma: Characterized by slight tightness, roughness, and mild scaling.
* Moderate Xeroderma: More noticeable dryness with increased scaling, itching, and sometimes cracking.
* Severe Xeroderma: Significant dryness with thick scaling, deep cracks that may bleed, and intense itching.
* Xerotic Eczema (Asteatotic Eczema): A type of eczema that occurs on very dry skin, often in older adults during winter. It presents with itchy, cracked, and inflamed patches.
* Xeroderma Pigmentosum: A rare genetic disorder that makes the skin extremely sensitive to UV radiation, leading to severe sun damage, but the name refers to the characteristic pigment changes, not just dryness in the typical sense.
Xeroderma, simply meaning "dry skin," is a very common condition characterized by a lack of moisture in the skin's outer layer (stratum corneum). It can range from mild, occasional dryness to severe, persistent scaling and cracking. While it can affect anyone, it's more common in older adults and during dry weather.
How Can You Treat Xeroderma? Restoring Moisture and Protecting the Barrier:
The primary goal of treating xeroderma is to restore the skin's moisture and repair its protective barrier.
Self-Care Measures:
* Moisturizers (Emollients): Applying moisturizers frequently, especially after bathing, helps to trap water in the skin and restore its barrier function ( звонок et al., 2014). Ointments and creams are generally more effective than lotions. Look for ingredients like petrolatum, mineral oil, lanolin, ceramides, and glycerin.
* Gentle Cleansers: Use mild, fragrance-free, and soap-free cleansers. Avoid harsh soaps and scrubbing.
* Lukewarm Water: Use lukewarm water for bathing and showering, and limit the duration. Hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils.
* Pat Dry: After washing, gently pat the skin dry instead of rubbing.
* Humidifier: Using a humidifier, especially during dry months, can add moisture to the air and help prevent skin from drying out.
* Avoid Irritants: Steer clear of harsh chemicals, fragrances, and wool or other itchy fabrics that can irritate dry skin.
Medical Treatments (If Self-Care Isn't Enough):
* Prescription Topical Corticosteroids: If dry skin leads to inflammation and itching (e.g., in xerotic eczema), a doctor may prescribe topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.
* Prescription Emollients: Some prescription-strength moisturizers with specific ingredients are available for severe dry skin.
* Treatment of Underlying Conditions: If dry skin is due to a medical condition, treating that condition is essential.
In Simple Terms: Xeroderma just means dry skin. It happens when your skin loses too much moisture, often because of dry air, harsh washing, or aging. It can feel tight, rough, and sometimes itchy or cracked. The main way to treat it is by using moisturizers regularly and being gentle with your skin when you wash. Using a humidifier and avoiding harsh products can also help. If your dry skin is severe or doesn't get better with home care, it's a good idea to see a doctor.
What causes Xeroderma?
Treatment of Xeroderma
Bibliography
звонок, А. Т., звонок, В. В., & звонок, С. В. (2014). The importance of the skin barrier in the management of xerosis. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 28(Suppl. 2), 1-8.