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Usuallydry skin (xerosis) does not indicate serious problems, but it can cause discomfort, and sometimes leads to unpleasant complications.

Fortunately, most cases of xerosis are caused by external factors that are easy to control.

Separately, ichthyosis is a disease associated with extreme dryness of the skin, which disfigures the patient and gives him physical and emotional suffering.

Chronic and severe skin problems are a reason for contacting a dermatologist.

Causes of dry skin

The main causes of xerosis include the influence of various environmental factors, as well as diseases that disrupt the functions of the skin.

Possible reasons include:

1. Climatic conditions. The skin becomes dry in winter when the temperature and humidity drop. Winter conditions make existing skin problems worse.

2. Central heating and air conditioning. Fireplaces, central heating, air conditioners without humidification can cause dry skin.

3. Hot bath or shower. Frequent hot baths, especially if a person likes to splash in water for a long time, can destroy the lipid barrier of the skin. It is also not recommended to swim in highly chlorinated pools.

4. Harsh soaps and shower products. Many popular products contain aggressive surfactants (surfactants). These surfactants simply wash away the protective lipid membrane of the skin, causing dryness.

5. Sun rays. Like heat, the sun's rays dry out the skin. UV rays penetrate the epidermis, affecting the deep layer of the skin - the dermis. They break down collagen and elastin, leading to so-called solar elastosis.

6. Atopic dermatitis. It is one of the most common types of eczema and affects dry and sensitive skin.

7. Psoriasis. This skin condition is characterized by a rapid build-up of rough, dry, dead skin flakes, and itchy skin.

8. Diseases of the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism - insufficient function of the thyroid gland - reduces the activity of the sweat and sebaceous glands, which leads to dry skin.

Risk factors for dry skin

Dry skin can develop in any person, but the following groups are most susceptible to xerosis:

1. Elderly people.
2. Residents of countries with dry and cold climates.
3. Lovers often take hot showers or baths.

Xerosis symptoms

Most often, dry skin is a temporary problem that only bothers a certain season, but it can last a lifetime.

Symptoms of xerosis depend on general health, age, where you live and how much time you spend outdoors.

Possible symptoms include:

1. Sense of tightening of the skin, especially after a bath.
2. The skin is wrinkled and dehydrated.
3. The skin looks rough, not smooth.
4. Itching, sometimes very intense, worries.
5. Slight to severe peeling of the skin.
6. Cracked skin, sometimes bleeding and painful.
7. Redness of the skin, usually in confined areas.

1. The condition does not improve despite home measures.
2. Dry skin is accompanied by severe redness.
3. Dryness and itching interfere with normal sleep.
4. Ulcers and infected wounds are formed due to scratching.
5. The skin peels off in large areas.

Diagnostics of the causes of dry skin

Dry skin can accompany a number of skin and internal diseases, so the doctor will need to do some tests to make an accurate diagnosis. To determine some skin problems, sometimes a careful examination is enough, and to determine, say, thyroid insufficiency, an analysis of the level of thyroid hormones is necessary.

The list of skin diseases associated with xerosis includes:

1. Follicular keratosis. This condition causes small, acne-like pimples on the arms, legs, and buttocks. Numerous pimples make the skin look rough, like sandpaper. Pimples are usually flesh-colored, but can also be red and inflamed.

2. Ichthyosis. In this unpleasant disease, skin cells form thick, dry scales that look like fish scales. The scales are small, multifaceted, from white to brown. Ichthyosis can cause deep, painful cracks in the palms and feet.

3. Xreotic eczema. This disease causes dry skin and numerous skin cracks. Some people describe this characteristic skin as "dry riverbed" or "cracked china." The skin is inflamed, itches and bleeds.

4. Psoriasis. The disease is manifested by dryness, flaking and itching of the skin. The skin in the affected areas is reddish, covered with scales resembling dandruff. In severe cases, the disease can be complicated by the addition of an infection.

In most cases, dry skin can be dealt with with simple home remedies such as moisturizers after a shower. For peeling skin, your doctor may recommend special creams that contain salicylic acid, lactic acid, or a combination of lactic acid and urea.

For more serious problems, such as atopic dermatitis or psoriasis, ointments and creams containing corticosteroids (Celestoderm B, Elokom, Advantan) can be used. If an infection has arisen due to constant scratching or poor hygiene, the doctor may prescribe combined products that also contain antibiotics (Celestoderm B with garamycin, Triderm).

With a tendency to dryness, it is not always possible to achieve flawless skin.

However, use these tips:

1. Moisturize your skin. There are many products that form a protective film that protects the skin from moisture loss. The simplest and most effective option is baby oil.

2. Limit taking hot baths and showers. Such procedures should last no more than 15 minutes, and the water should be used warm, not hot.

3. Avoid harsh soaps that dry your skin. If you have sensitive skin, you cannot skimp on good soaps and shower gels. Use a gentle, oil-based soap such as Neutrogena or Dove.

4. Use moisturizers immediately after bathing. After bathing, gently pat dry your skin with a towel to keep your body slightly moist. Apply baby oil or other moisturizer immediately afterward.

5. Use a humidifier. If dry air in your home is the cause of dry skin, do not skimp on a humidifier (humidifier), at least a portable one for your room. Maintain your device regularly to prevent the humidifier from becoming a source of bacteria or fungi.

6. Choose the right clothing. Natural fibers such as silk and cotton give your skin a chance to breathe. Avoid fabrics with cheap dyes. When washing, do not use fragrances or other chemicals that can irritate the skin.

In case of itching and inflammation of the skin, American experts recommend the limited use of a cream or ointment containing at least 1% hydrocortisone. It is a medium-strength corticosteroid hormone that copes well with inflammation, itching, and allergic reactions.

In the United States, this drug is available without a prescription, but in most countries of the former USSR, hydrocortisone is prescribed by a doctor.

Before using such drugs, it will not be superfluous to consult a dermatologist.

Possible complications of xerosis

For some people prone to eczema, dry skin can cause complications such as:

1. Atopic dermatitis.
2. Folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicles).
3. Cellulitis (bacterial infection of the subcutaneous tissue).

These complications usually occur when the protective mechanisms of the skin are impaired. For example, severe dryness of the skin causes cracks, and they open the gate for

Xerosis is a skin condition characterized by severe dryness of the epidermis, roughness, and sometimes peeling. Xerosis can be congenital and acquired, its main cause is a decreased function of the sebaceous glands, which leads to extreme dryness of the skin.

With a deficiency of sebum, the skin ceases to properly perform its main functions - barrier and protective.

The main signs of xerosis:

1. 1

   feeling of tightness of the skin;

2. 2

   rough surface of the epidermis, the presence of scales;

3. 3

   invisible pores;

4. 4

   rugosity;

5. 5

   frequent itching.

Causes of skin xerosis in children and adults

The main causes of xerosis are listed by La Roche-Posay expert Alexander Prokofiev.

Thin skin.

Lack of vitamin A.

Influence of unfavorable factors (sun, solarium, wind, frost).

Prolonged exposure to hot water.

Using soap to cleanse the skin.

Incorrect selection of cosmetics.

The use of certain drugs (retinoids, hormonal agents).

Itching is a symptom of xerosis © Getty Images

Also, xerosis may indicate the presence of a dermatological or general disease, for example:

ichthyosis (in infants and children);

atopic dermatitis (in children);

follicular keratosis;

psoriasis;

• oncological diseases;

  hypothyroidism.

Varieties of xerosis

In total, there are three types of xerosis:

1. 1

   atopic (congenital) observed in children and, as a rule, is hereditary;

2. 2

   senile - This is the development of dry skin as a result of natural aging processes;

3. 3

   acquired xerosiscaused by improper skin care and exposure to external or internal factors.

The first symptoms and signs of xerosis

The following information will help you catch xerosis at the initial stage and consult a doctor in time, who will identify the cause of this condition and prescribe adequate treatment. So, xerosis has three degrees of development.

First stage

The skin looks more or less well, there are no external symptoms visible to the naked eye. So far, all the changes occur at the level of sensations of dryness, burning and tightness, which disappear after applying a moisturizer.

Stage two

Peeling, redness, itching and wrinkling are added to the sensations of dryness and tightness. The moisturizer at this stage does not help much.

Pathological dryness causes wrinkled skin © Getty Images

Third stage

There are all the signs of xeroderma: dryness of the stratum corneum is accompanied by scales, red spots, itching and even cracks (mainly in the folds - knees, elbows, fingers). The skin becomes very thin and defenseless against microorganisms and diseases such as dermatitis, eczema.

Which doctor should you contact

First, you need to contact a dermatologist, who will establish the true cause of xerosis and send for additional examination if pathological dryness is not caused by a skin disease. Eliminating the root causes will bring the function of the sebaceous glands back to normal.

How to deal with the disease

You need to fight xerosis under the guidance of a doctor, but we will show you some general rules for care.

1. 1

   Alkaline soap should be avoided. The best option is syndet, a significantly less aggressive cleansing product suitable for sensitive, dry skin.

2. 3

   As a care, it is important to use light nourishing creams with components that mimic sebum, that is, they form a protective fatty film to retain moisture.

For xerosis, moisturize the skin with creams with soothing ingredients © Getty Images

Xerosis care products should contain a minimum of components, but among them are welcome:

mineral and natural vegetable oils;

soothing ingredients such as bisabolol, herbal extracts (St. John's wort, calendula);

components of a natural moisturizing factor, for example, glycerin and hyaluronic acid.

Xeroderma is pathological dryness of the skin. Against the background of this symptom, infection, deep cracks, inflammation may develop. How long it lasts depends not only on the type of disease, but also on what treatment measures were taken. Most often, areas of dry skin can be found on the face, legs, arms. What skin diseases can xerosis indicate? What are the causes and treatments for dry skin of the hands, feet, face and body?

What is dry skin

Many doctors are accustomed to refer to the concept of "xerosis" not only as dry skin itself, but also all the negative manifestations that accompany it. These are frequent inflammation, burning sensation, a tendency to injury, itching. Sometimes xerosis precedes such a serious disease as ichthyosis, but the likelihood of such an outcome is not so great. Dryness is usually preceded by less dangerous causes.

• The most susceptible to dry skin are people living in extremely hot or cold climates who have to regularly deal with exposure to chemicals on their skin (nurses, factory workers, hairdressers).
• Regular swimming pool visits and age over 40 are also risk factors. So, in older people, the active work of the sebaceous glands slows down with age. Dryness of the lower body is characteristic of such cases.

Her classification

Dry skin can be categorized according to two criteria:

1. Good epidermal tone. There are no wrinkles on the surface of the skin, it itself retains its elasticity, matte. May be susceptible to external stimuli.
2. Decreased skin tone. Wrinkles form as the epidermis is thinned. It is impossible to correct the problem only with cosmetic means.

Types of xerosis:

1. Senile... This includes the physiological cause of dry skin, which cannot be reversed - aging. The form is inherent in women during menopause and can be accompanied by severe thinning.
2. Acquired... It appears in the form of a reaction to cosmetic components, with excessive cleansing of the epidermis, passion for various cosmetic procedures, or even due to poor hygiene.
3. Constitutional the form has pathological causes or arises from genetic characteristics. This type is inherent in blondes, children under 2 years old.

How to identify a symptom in yourself

If symptoms appear only at certain times of the year (more often in winter), then xerosis is not associated with any internal pathology. It is just a reaction to cold or dehydration. In such cases, dryness quickly passes, it is enough just to regularly moisturize the skin.

Dermatological problems are indicated by the fact of constant dryness, as well as the presence of the following symptoms:

• the skin is rough;
• cracks;
• she took on an ashy hue;
• more pronounced skin pattern;
• severe tightness after water procedures;
• scaling;
• redness;

Sometimes the cracks are so deep that they not only provoke pain, but also bleed. Gradually, tightness and itching give way to severe peeling. The skin begins to react very sensitively to the slightest irritation.

The third stage of xerosis is characterized by the fact that the plates of the exfoliating skin increase, and deep wrinkles appear. With this form, it is extremely difficult to compensate for dryness with a regular cream. The cover becomes rough, prone to erythema, inflammation, appearance.

At the fourth stage, atrophy of the skin layer occurs, and not only the stratum corneum, but also the dermis. The changes are so serious that sometimes they even flow into trophic ones. The clinical picture is similar to skin aging.

All these symptoms are inherent even in children and the phenomena do not depend on age.

Diseases and disorders

The following disorders in the body can cause xerosis:

1. Infection.
2. Psoriasis.
3. Dehydration.
4. Renal failure
5. Autoimmune pathologies.
6. Follicular keratosis.
7. Anemia.
8. Intoxication.
9. Dystrophy.
10. Ichthyosis.
11. Allergic rhinitis.
12. Hypovitaminosis with vitamin PP.
13. Hypothyroidism.
14. Pathology of the gastrointestinal tract.

Dryness of the skin is accompanied by such serious diseases as diabetes mellitus and pituitary tumor. Both cases pose a serious threat to the body and must be treated promptly.

Read about creams and other pharmaceutical remedies for increased dry skin of the body, face in children and adults below.

Elena Malysheva will tell you how to get rid of dry skin:

How to deal with xerosis

General rules

Before using any medication, it is better to slightly adjust the usual diet and daily procedures.

• So, nutrition is enriched with a large amount of minerals, a good solution would be to take a high-quality multivitamin complex. Restoring the level of vitamins C, B, A, E greatly helps in healing.
• The period of taking a bath and a hot shower will have to be shortened, and after these procedures, you need to lubricate the skin with moisturizers.
• If cracks and peeling have already begun to appear, then it is better to use healing ointments.

Regardless of what caused xerosis, you need to fight dehydration. Regular consumption of up to 2.5-3 liters of liquid will allow you to make up for the lack of moisture.

Along with moisturizers, anti-inflammatories are required. Inside, it is recommended to use anti-allergy drugs, restorative medicines. Very serious diseases can also cause xerosis, but a specialist should already be involved in the selection of other drugs.

Traditional methods

With dry skin on the body, it is important to regularly moisturize, and various compresses and masks based on natural ingredients can help in this. The most interesting recipes are below:

• Brew chamomile, during the preparation of the infusion, prepare another decoction of flax seeds (5 tsp) and 2 glasses of water. Add to the bath in equal parts. You need to be in it for about 15 minutes.
• Cream (0.5 tbsp.), Butter (100 grams), avocado and banana, mix in a blender. Beat the resulting puree, dropping 5 drops of rose oil into it. After repeated beating, apply to clean skin.
• Stir honey (200 ml), almond oil (1 tsp) and milk and heat in a water bath. The resulting product can be used for compresses or added to the bath.
• If there is xerosis on the feet, then smear them with castor oil at night, wrap them with film. It is advisable to wrap your legs or put on socks.
• Take ammonia and glycerin in equal volumes, mix. Apply the ointment to areas of the skin that have cracks or peeling.
• Add jojoba oil to oatmeal cooked in milk, add 0.5 tsp to the ingredients. vitamin E and almond oil. The agent is applied to the affected area in a thick layer for 20 minutes.
• Mix calendula and sea buckthorn oils, warm up and lubricate the skin.

Seeing a dermatologist

Self-medication is not always able to help, so it is important to monitor the condition of the skin and prevent the aggravation of the disease. You need to see a dermatologist if:

1. Scratches and cracks became infected, there was suppuration, hyperemia, general weakness is felt.
2. Itching and flaking is very pronounced.
3. Long-lasting redness.
4. There are not even minor improvements after home therapy.
5. The peeling and scaling areas are very large.

Prolonged overdrying of the skin can lead to persistent. This risk is especially great if the symptom is accompanied by constant skin irritation by some tissues, household products, etc. It is better not to experiment for a long time using various tips and home treatment methods, but to consult a doctor.

The girl in the video below tells from her own experience how to deal with dry skin:

In the article, we will tell you in detail about what xeroderma is. Let's talk about the symptoms and types of this disease. You will find out why xeroderma occurs in humans, and you can see the consequences of the disease in the photo. You will also learn how this common skin condition is diagnosed and treated. After reviewing the information below and watching a video from a specialist, you can independently recognize the disease and get rid of its signs in a timely manner.

What is Xeroderma?

Xeroderma (xerosis) - the term is used in medical practice when diagnosing patients with abnormal dry skin. The name comes from the Greek word "xero" meaning dry and "derma" meaning skin. The disease is a type of pathology - ichthyosis. It is mild.

Patients with this type of disease have excessively dry and rough skin, with highly visible scales. Usually, xerosis affects the skin of the hands, face - in the chin area, the outer parts of the elbow and knee folds, feet, and also the gluteal zone.

Xeroderma can be a problem for both women and men, but as medical observations show, most often it is the female gender.

The risk group includes:

1. Elderly persons 60 - 75 years old.
2. Pregnant women.
3. Patients with diabetes mellitus.
4. People living in countries with cold and dry climates.
5. People working in constant humidity conditions.

The appearance of xerosis is facilitated by the disruption of the sebaceous glands, in which the production of subcutaneous fat decreases. Its lack leads to the fact that the skin loses moisture, flakes and wrinkles.

With a very advanced stage of the disease, painful cracks form on the skin. In addition, people with xeroderma should not be exposed to direct sunlight. Dehydrated skin quickly burns in the sun and ages.

Stages of the disease

There are 4 stages of xeroderma development:

1. It is almost asymptomatic. A person does not notice any structural changes in the skin (there is no wrinkling and itching), slight dryness is felt only on the feet.
2. After a while, the skin begins to peel off, thickens, becomes rough and hard. The patient constantly feels tightness of the skin. She begins to notice that itching and redness appear from time to time in certain areas of the body.
3. There is abundant exfoliation. Painful cracks appear on the skin. Inflammation, itching and redness occur. Pus forms in deep wounds.
4. This stage is characterized by a strong change in the structure of the affected skin. Trophic ulcers are formed (heal for a long time). The disease affects not only the protective layer of the skin, but also the dermis, which contains elements (elastin, collagen) responsible for the firmness and elasticity of the skin.

For reference: Symptoms of the first and second stages of xeroderma can be treated with a deep moisturizing cream such as Losterin. The third and fourth stages of the development of pathology require specialized treatment, including the use of medication antimicrobial and restorative drugs (see the list below).

Classification

Taking into account the reasons contributing to the occurrence of xeroderma, this form of pathology is divided into 3 types. So, xeroderma happens:

1. Acquired - appears as a result of exposure to the skin of external unfavorable factors. A striking example is long-term treatment with external or systemic glucocorticoids ("Betamethasone", "Prednisolone").
2. Senile- is the result of the natural aging process. The skin is characterized by increased dryness, wrinkling and pigmentation.
3. Constitutional (atopic) - its development is associated with a hereditary predisposition, i.e. if in the family earlier one of the relatives suffered from dry skin, then this form of pathology was inherited.

Note! Most often, the symptoms of xeroderma can be seen on the skin of the hands, which are daily exposed to adverse factors, in particular, contact with household chemicals.

In more detail about the symptoms and forms of xeroderma, which is also called ordinary or vulgar ichthyosis, a practicing dermatovenerologist will tell in the following video:

Causes and provoking factors

External and internal factors can contribute to the occurrence of xeroderma. The first are:

• Poor or inadequate skin care.
• Wearing synthetic clothing (clogs pores, irritates).
• Regular use of an unsuitable cosmetic product.
• Undergoing a long course of hormone treatment.

Internal factors causing xeroderma:

• Disruption of metabolic processes in the body - the production of subcutaneous fat by the sebaceous glands decreases.
• Hormonal disbalance - affects the functioning of the nervous system and vital organs (heart, liver, kidneys, lungs).
• Fungus infection - fungal diseases (mycoses: candidiasis, dermatomycosis, pityriasis versicolor) affect the skin and subcutaneous tissue.
• Renal failure - causes dryness and itching of the skin, changes its color.
• Oncological skin pathologies - develop in the epidermal layer, disrupt metabolic processes, which causes dystrophy of the skin.
• Diabetes - causes skin diseases in 79.2% of patients.
• Hepatitis (liver disease) - disrupt the work of the sebaceous glands, contribute to the appearance of age spots and foci of inflammation.

Note! If the cause of xeroderma is internal factors, then its treatment is recommended to begin with their elimination. External provoking causes can be prevented, which will eliminate the occurrence of xeroderma.

The problem of dry skin increases with age, and in order to slow down the appearance of external signs of old age (dryness, wrinkling, age spots), it is recommended to heed the following tips:

1. Avoid taking too hot showers or baths.
2. Don't spend too much time whirling around or swimming in the pool.
3. Use only mild detergents, they do not contain dyes, fragrances and alcohol.
4. After bathing, dry off with a soft towel without rubbing your skin, then spread with moisturizer.
5. Limit soap use on xerotic skin areas. But for healthy-looking skin, use a mild soap that contains moisturizing oils.
6. Be sure to use moisturizing lotions at any time of the year, especially in the winter when clothing prevents your skin from breathing properly.
7. In summer, cover yourself with sunscreen before going outside.
8. Use a humidifier in your apartment, especially in winter when heating appliances make the indoor climate too dry.

Common symptoms

Dry skin has specific signs and can be recognized without even touching the body. Typically, the skin looks irritated and tight. Inflamed, slightly reddish areas are visible on it. Pores are practically invisible behind the exfoliating layer.

Below is a list of signs that accompany the onset of xeroderma:

• The skin quickly loses moisture; conventional moisturizers do not help to normalize its balance. It becomes rough and wrinkled.
• After water procedures, a feeling of tightness appears, which disappears only after thoroughly moisturizing it.
• If untreated, the skin begins to itch and flake off.
• In place of the fallen off scales, redness is formed, then thin cracks, which become deeper over time, begin to bleed and hurt.

You need to get rid of the above symptoms immediately. At the first and second stages of development, people with xeroderma can be treated at home, following the recommendations of the attending physician.

With a strong and large-scale lesion of the skin, the patient is shown hospitalization, which, as a rule, begins with the diagnosis of the patient's current condition.

When and to which doctor to contact?

Skin diseases are treated by a dermatologist. And if you postpone a visit to a specialist, trying to cope with dry skin on your own, then you need to immediately turn to him for help if:

• The affected skin began to ooze.
• Exfoliation of large areas of the skin occurs.
• Annular erythema (ring-shaped spots) appeared on the body.
• The skin condition does not improve for a long time (even after the applied treatment).

Note! Scratching dry skin can lead to infection. As a result, against the background of xeroderma, you may develop a fungal or bacterial infection, which will require specific therapy (see below for treatment methods).

Diagnostics

Before prescribing a treatment for xeroderma, a dermatologist must differentiate the disease. In other words, to clarify that this is exactly xeroderma. Indeed, some skin pathologies, for example, eczema, have symptoms similar to it. This means that if you are diagnosed with eczema, then the treatment plan will differ from the scheme that is formed for a person with xerosis.

So, in order to diagnose xeroderma, you may be prescribed:

• Visual inspection - will help identify and compare symptoms.
• Skin biopsy - will detect a fungal infection.
• Donation of blood for biochemical analysis is necessary to assess the work of internal organs and identify deficiencies of trace elements (potassium, magnesium, calcium, etc.) in order to replenish them.

To get a complete picture of your skin problem, the doctor will take an anamnesis (ask questions about current and previous diseases, ask if there have been any surgical interventions in the body, etc.).

Based on the data obtained, he will draw up a suitable treatment regimen with the use of medications.

General treatment regimen

In order to save you from xeroderma, the dermatologist will have to draw up a large-scale action plan, for example, like this:

1. Elimination of the factors that caused the skin disease.
2. Skin care with nourishing and moisturizing agents.
3. Treatment of affected skin areas with local preparations (ointments).
4. Compliance with a diet.

Getting rid of the root cause

Treatment of xeroderma begins with the elimination of the disease that contributed to the development of skin pathology.

For example, if xerosis was caused by a disruption in the work of the endocrine, nervous or immune system, then the specialist's primary task is to eliminate it.

As a rule, after successful treatment of the described diseases, the functioning of the sebaceous glands returns to normal, and the skin condition improves.

If you do not pay attention to the disease at the wrong time, follicular keratosis may develop.

Healing care

To prevent infection (staphylococcus, streptococcus) from joining dryness, which can occur through scratches and microcracks, it is very important to moisturize the skin.

Timely hydration and nutrition will allow the skin to gain elasticity, prevent cracks, wrinkles and a feeling of tightness.

Attention! In case of xeroderma, do not use cheap and universal creams (Lumene Arctic Aqua 24, Nivea Creme), on the contrary, they help to draw out the remaining moisture. Make sure that the selected product contains vitamins and vegetable oils, as well as animal fats.

For hygienic purposes, it is recommended to use products that do not contain surface-active additives, they reduce the level of sebum secretion, damage the outer layer of the epidermis and increase skin dryness. For this purpose, you can use gels ("Yves Rocher", "Luxury oils"), which contain nutritious oils (argan, avocado), including essential oils.

Medicines for dryness and itching

Local treatment of xeroderma involves taking antihistamines (Suprastin, Diprazin), which help relieve the itching that accompanies skin peeling. With severe xerodemic itching, you can make a bandage using 1% Hydrocortisone ointment.

Ointments based on birch tar (Vishnevsky ointment) or naphthalene (Psori-Naft) can prevent the penetration of infections, which usually occurs through microcracks in the skin.

But if pathogenic microbes have already managed to penetrate the body, and crusts of a purulent shade have appeared on the skin, then the affected areas must be treated with antimicrobial agents.

Make lotions using the following drugs:

• 0.5% silver nitrate solution - destroys bacteria, relieves inflammation.
• "Brilliant-grune" (brilliant green) - copes with diphtheria bacillus and Staphylococcus aureus, is active against almost all pathogenic fungi.
• "Rivanol" - contains furacilin, which kills staphylococci.
• 1% "Resorcinol" - for cauterization and disinfection of wounds.

Note! If xeroderma has passed into a purulent stage, then you should not self-medicate. It is necessary to immediately contact a dermatologist, who, given the severity of the problem, can prescribe combined antibiotics (Triderm, Celestoderm-V) or corticosteroid drugs (Advantan, Elokom).

Keratolytic therapy will help remove dead scales from the skin, which includes treating the skin with products containing salicylic and lactic acid (Aven Akerat, Uryage Keratosan, La Roche Pose) or urea.

Such creams help to unblock sebaceous plugs, have a softening effect on the skin and help to normalize its breathing.

• • Eat more vegetables raw and cooked.
  • The menu should always contain porridge (buckwheat, oatmeal, rice). The trace elements contained in them not only improve the condition of the skin, but also strengthen the immune system.
  • Eat steamed fish and meat dishes, so you can save more nutrients in the products.
  • Drink 1.5-2 liters of liquid a day (water, herbal tea, dried fruit compote), so you can save your skin from dehydration.
  • Eat fruits and berries and nuts every day.

• Exclude smoked, fried, spicy dishes from the menu.
• Do not eat instant meals, chips, etc. products.
• Forget about drinking alcohol.

Folk remedies

Below are a few recipes to help you cope with the initial stage of xeroderma.

Cleopatra bath

Ingredients:

1. Fresh warm milk - 4 tbsp.
2. Natural liquid honey - 0.5 tbsp.
3. Warm olive oil - 5 tablespoons

How to cook: Mix all ingredients. Pour the composition into the bathroom with water at a comfortable temperature.

How to use: Soak in the healing liquid for 15-20 minutes. Pat your body dry with a soft towel without rubbing. Apply a cream with a regenerating and moisturizing effect, such as La Roche Pose, which is often recommended by dermatologists.

Result: You can notice an improvement in skin condition after the first procedure. If you take such a bath every day, you will forget about the problem with xeroderma forever.

Hot compress for the face

Ingredients:

1. Mint petals.
2. Calendula flowers.
3. Linden blossom.

How to cook: Take identical parts of the components, pour boiling water over, cover the container and wrap it up. Let the composition brew for 10 to 15 minutes.

How to use: Soak a soft towel in the herbal infusion that has cooled to a comfortable temperature. Apply to face for 1.5 to 2 minutes. Repeat the procedure 5 - 6 times. Lubricate the skin with a nourishing cream, in this regard, the cosmetic product "Riche Desalterante" has proven itself quite well. (Clean it 2 times a week).

Result: Compress expands and cleanses pores, removes peeling.

Question answer

What to do if in winter the symptoms of xeroderma worsen, the body is itchy? (Previously, the Aevit vitamins and the Belobaza moisturizer were prescribed, but they did not help).

Change your moisturizer to a stronger one, such as Lokobase or Lipikar Up. Drink plenty of fluids, make room humidity normal.

Can i get infected with xeroderma?

The disease is not contagious, since the cause of the formation of scales on the skin is a violation of the sebaceous glands.

The child was one year old when he was diagnosed with xeroderma, which later caused dermatitis. Wounds appeared on the skin, because of the itching, the child is restless, especially at night. What should be the care?

Discuss with your dermatologist the appointment of the antiallergic drug Fenistil in drops, as well as hormonal ointments. Eliminate soap completely from your baby's hygiene procedures. Use oily creams to moisturize your skin (2-3 times a day). Lokobase Ripea and Topikrem are suitable.

Is it possible to convert xerosis into a malignant form? Can dark skin lesions be excised?

The likelihood of malignancy of foci of xeroderma is not high. Removal of scabs can be performed for aesthetic purposes using cryodestruction (liquid nitrogen).

Is it possible to get rid of xerosis only with folk remedies?

This is possible if the disease is at an early stage of development.

What to remember:

1. Xeroderma is a mild variety of ichthyosis, characterized by constantly high dry skin.
2. The disease is not contagious, it appears in persons with reduced sebum secretion of the skin.
3. Abnormal dryness of the skin can be caused not only by xerosis, but also by other diseases, such as eczema. Therefore, skin treatment should not be started before an accurate diagnosis is made.
4. Proper nutrition is important in the treatment of xeroderma.
5. The most important thing is to drink plenty of fluids.