Dry skin

Dry Skin

Dry skin (pronounced: /draɪ skɪn/), also known as xerosis (pronounced: /ziːˈroʊsɪs/), is a common condition that affects many people to varying degrees at different times of their lives.

Etymology

The term "dry skin" is derived from the Old English "drȳge" meaning "dry" and the Latin "cutis" meaning "skin". The medical term "xerosis" is derived from the Greek "xero-", meaning "dry", and "-osis", a common ending in medicine that indicates a state or condition.

Definition

Dry skin is a condition characterized by a lack of the appropriate amount of water in the most superficial layer of the skin, the epidermis. While dry skin tends to affect males and females equally, older individuals are typically much more prone to dry skin. The skin in elderly individuals tends to have diminished amounts of natural skin oils and lubricants.

Symptoms

Symptoms of dry skin include discomfort from skin tightness and itching. In addition, external factors such as weather can affect the severity of skin dryness. For example, cold or dry air and winter weather can worsen dry skin.

Causes

Dry skin can be a symptom that indicates a more serious diagnosis. But in most cases, dry skin is caused by environmental factors that remove moisture from the skin. Heat, hot showers, arid climates, and harsh soaps can all trigger dry skin.

Treatment

Fortunately, most dry skin results from environmental factors that can be wholly or partially controlled. These factors include hot or cold weather, low humidity, and soaking in hot water. Medical conditions that contribute to dry skin include diabetes, hypothyroidism, and malnutrition.

Related Terms

• Epidermis
• Dermatology
• Diabetes
• Hypothyroidism
• Malnutrition

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Dry skin
• Wikipedia's article - Dry skin

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