Blaine Labs Xerosis Information

Xerosis simply means dry skin. It is a very common problem with many different causes. Xerosis is most common in winter when the air is dry and artificial heating is most in use. Artificial heating dries the air and in so doing removes the moisture for the skin.

Environmental factors cause xerosis

The body protects itself from the cold winter air by drawing blood away from the skin. This causes the skin to become less well nourished and dry out. Environmental factors like sun exposure and air pollutants can also cause xerosis.

One of the most common features of dermatitis is xerosis. Xerosis makes the skin less supple and more prone to cracking, especially in conditions where itchiness is a problem.

Water can cause xerosis

An over exposure to water can also result in xerosis. Bathing more than once a day, although providing temporary moisture to the skin may actually be stripping the skin of its protective, oily lipid layer, which in the long run causes more moisture loss from the skin than gained.

The aim in treating xerosis is therefore to add moisture to the skin and to reduce the amount of water being lost from the skin. Ensuring the skin remains free from fissures, scales and cracks will minimize water loss.

Here are some simple self-help tips to prevent xerosis and to maintain moist supple skin:

• Only shower/bath once a day in luke-warm, not hot, water. Hot water dries the skin.
• Try to limit the length of showers.
• Add an oil to bath water to counteract the drying effect of the water.
• Avoid using harsh soaps/cleaners on the body. Soap substitutes will cleanse the skin and moisturize at the same time.
• Avoid vigorous rubbing of the skin with towels or washcloths as these remove too much moisture from the skin.
• Apply an emollient (cream designed to prevent water from evaporating from the skin's surface) regularly and especially immediately after showering/bathing.
• Apply moisturizer before bed to prevent the skin drying out in the cold night air.
• Drink plenty of water. Being well hydrated on the inside will lead to being well hydrated on the outside also.
• Protect the skin from sun exposure. Use moisturizers with SPF 15+ sunscreen in them on exposed areas.
• Avoid using harsh laundry detergents and fabric softeners and keep irritating fabrics and wools away from the skin.
• Use a humidifier in the house when any artificial heating is in use especially central heating.

Stronger treatments for severe xerosis

Serious cases of xerosis that do not respond to other methods may require medical treatment so that stronger medications can be prescribed. It is also important that the underlying cause of the dry skin be treated. For example xerosis may result from a fungal or infectious agent in which case these need to be treated with specialized medications or creams.