Xerosis

Alternative Names: Asteatotic eczema; Eczema craquele

Xerosis is an abnormal dryness of the skin or mucus membranes.

Causes of Xerosis

Dry skin usually gets worse during the winter.

Older people are usually affected more by this condition.

Xerosis Symptoms

The skin is dry, scaly, itchy, and red. Fine cracks may appear on the skin.

The arms and legs are usually affected most.

Treatment of Xerosis

Treatments include:

• Moisturizers, especially those that contain urea and lactic acid
• Topical steroids -- for areas that get very inflamed and itchy

Prevention of Xerosis

• Avoid excess exposure to water
• Keep the bath water relatively cool
• Use gentle skin cleansers that do not contain dyes and fragrances

Gilchrest BA. Skin disorders. In: Duthie EH, Katz PR, Malone ML, eds. Practice of Geriatrics. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 38.

Habif TP. Eczema and hand dermatitis. In: Habif TP, ed. Clinical Dermatology. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:chap 3.

Xerosis - close-up

Review Date: 10/3/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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