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Cutaneous xerosis: treatment – with pictures

by Alivia Nyhan
Published: Last Updated on

Xerosis is a term used to refer to a skin condition in which abnormal dryness occurs, characterized by rough, scaly, and usually itchy skin, that is, itching. This condition has a high prevalence in the general population. Cutaneous Xerosis is not necessarily a disease. It may simply be due to some environmental conditions because the skin can become so weak that fissures can begin to appear in extreme conditions.

This condition is called craquelé eczema, a skin disorder that, in addition to flaking, is characterized by intense itching. In the following FastlyHealarticle, we inform you more fully about this condition; Cutaneous xerosis: treatment, causes, and conditioning factors. We will also show you some photos of cutaneous xerosis to show ​​how this condition affects the skin.

Definition of cutaneous xerosis

The skin is mainly composed of two layers: the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis, in turn, has multiple layers of cells that give the necessary protection to the skin – the number of cell layers gives the thickness of the skin of each part. of the body-these cells are constantly changing to provide a better protective effect.

In addition, there is an additional layer of proteins, lipids, and water in the most superficial layer that gives more firmness to the skin. This layer is called the stratum corneum, and the decrease in the water content of this area is the cause of cutaneous xerosis. Dehydration occurs when there is an imbalance between average water loss and intake.

The following mechanisms give the ability of the skin to regulate the amount of water:

  • Multiple molecules such as urea, lactate, PCA (pyrrolidone carboxylic acid), salts, or some amino acids, attract and retain water.
  • The effectiveness of skin lipids, such as ceramide, can reduce the loss of water through evaporation.

Below these lines, you can see a photo of cutaneous xerosis, in which you can see the typical craquelé eczema that characterizes this condition.

Conditioning factors

Some factors can influence the appearance of cutaneous xerosis, among which the following stand out:

  • Heredity, children of parents who suffer from Cutaneous Xerosis have a higher risk of suffering from this condition.
  • Age
  • Some environmental conditions can influence the structure and function of the skin. For example, winter can decrease lipids, low humidity, or solar radiation, reducing some lipids found in this layer.
  • Some chemical agents, such as detergents, lotions, perfumes, or drugs, can increase the risk of developing skin xerosis.

Some diseases can increase the risk of having cutaneous xerosis, among which are:

Causes of xerosis

The cause of xerosis is the lack of certain elements responsible for nourishing and protecting our skin. We will explain them to you below:

  • Deficiency in the lipid skin barrier: Lipids epidermal are responsible for attaching the cells in the superficial layers of the skin. Moreover, they are accountable for creating a protective barrier and retaining moisturizing elements. Its deficiency is associated with dry skin, rigid and rough.
  • Lack of natural hydration factors (NMF): Along with urea, biological hydration factors -such as Pyrrolidine Carboxylic Acid, salts, and sugars-are responsible for attracting moisture and retaining it in the most superficial layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, which prevents dehydration, flaking, and deterioration.

Xerosis: tratamiento natural

The basis of the treatment is to restore the barrier, rehydrate it, and externally place some of the components that are usually found, such as lipids. Small changes in our lifestyle can be very beneficial for this condition:

  • Drink enough water.
  • Follow a balanced and varied diet ensuring the consumption of fruits and vegetables.
  • Adding salt to bath water is an effective measure to reduce xerosis and itchiness.
  • Avoid the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and photo exposure.
  • Avoid direct contact with irritating substances.
  • Get regular moderate exercise.
  • Use soaps for daily hygiene with moisturizers and acid pH.
  • After bathing with lukewarm water, immediately apply products that prevent the evaporation of the water contained in the skin.
  • Avoid friction of the skin with sponges or bath gloves.
  • Use specific soaps that are not irritating.
  • Do not use lotions, colognes, perfumes, or alcoholic content.
  • Wear soft garments in contact with the skin, preferably cotton.
  • Avoid wearing very tight clothing. The combination of physical aggression (friction) with compression can limit blood circulation and, consequently, the correct supply of oxygen and nutrients.

If you have had this condition for a long time, we recommend that you visit your doctor to prescribe a topical solution and tell you which are the best creams for cutaneous xerosis that allow you to recover the lipids and regular hydration of the skin.

This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor if you present any condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Cutaneous Xerosis: treatment – with photos, we recommend that you enter our Skin, hair, and nails category. 

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