Xerosis or Dry Skin

Skin | Dermatology | Xerosis or Dry Skin (Symptom)


Description

Dry skin, known medically as xerosis or xeroderma, is generally a mild disease caused by environmental factors, but dry skin can also result from some common skin diseases.

Causes

Inherited diseases of the skin known as ichthyoids, although rare, can also cause disfigurement and severe dry skin. Even systemic conditions (diseases that affect the entire body) can lead to dry skin.

An example is hypothyroidism, which reduces the activity of the glands that produce skin secretions. Some medications such as retinoid to the skin as well as some antihistamines and diuretics, can cause dry skin have a side effect. Dry skin can be associated with symptoms such as scaling, itching, heaviness, redness, pain and stiffness of the skin.

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