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Xeroderma

Xeroderma

The surface of the knuckles of a hand with xeroderma

Xeroderma, literally meaning "dry skin", is a condition involving the integumentary system, which in most cases can safely be treated with emollients and/or moisturizers. Xeroderma occurs most commonly on the scalp, lower legs, arms, the knuckles, the sides of the abdomen and thighs. Symptoms most associated with xeroderma are scaling (the visible peeling of the outer skin layer), itching and skin cracking. [1].

Common causes

Xeroderma is a very common condition. It happens more often in the winter where the cold air outside and the hot air inside creates a low relative humidity. This causes the skin to lose moisture and it may crack and peel. Bathing or hand washing too frequently, especially if one is using harsh soaps, may also contribute to xeroderma. Xeroderma can also be caused by a deficiency of vitamin A, vitamin D, systemic illness, severe sunburn, or some medication [2]. Xeroderma can also be caused by choline inhibitors. Detergents like washing powder and washing up liquid can also cause xeroderma.

Prevention

Use soap every other day to prevent dry skin. Use a pat towel technique when drying off to leave moisture on the skin.[3]

Cure

Rub emollients into the area which has xeroderma to cure it. To stop this area from getting worse cover it with a layer of petroleum jelly, which acts as a barrier to cracking.

See also

References

Categories:

  • Dermatologic terminology
  • Medical sign stubs
  • Dermatology stubs

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • xeroderma — m. dermat. Afección cutánea que produce una piel seca, rugosa, descolorida y con tendencia a la descamación. Medical Dictionary. 2011. xeroderma …   Diccionario médico

  • Xeroderma — Xe ro*der ma, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ? dry + ? skin.] (Med.) (a) Ichthyosis. (b) A skin disease characterized by the presence of numerous small pigmented spots resembling freckles, with which are subsequently mingled spots of atrophied skin. [1913… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Xerodérma — (griech., »trockne Haut«; X. pigmentosum, Pergamenthaut, Dürrhaut), pergamentartiges Aussehen der Haut, das mit Verödung der Gefäße, Pigmentierung und Schwund der Oberhaut und des Fettpolsters einhergeht. X. ist eine seltene, stets in der… …   Meyers Großes Konversations-Lexikon

  • xeroderma — [zir΄ō dʉr′mə] n. [ XERO + DERMA1] ICHTHYOSIS …   English World dictionary

  • Xeroderma — Abnormally dry skin. Xeroderma can be caused by a deficiency of vitamin A, systemic illness, overexposure to sunlight, or medication. It can usually be addressed by the use of over the counter (OTC) topical preparations. If these products do not… …   Medical dictionary

  • Xeroderma — Xe|ro|dẹr|ma 〈n.; s, dẹr|ma|ta od. dẹr|men; Med.〉 Xeroderma pigmentosum erblich bedingte, meist schon im Kindesalter tödlich verlaufende Hautkrankheit mit anfänglicher Flecken u. späterer Warzen u. Karzinombildung [zu grch. xeros „trocken“] *… …   Universal-Lexikon

  • Xeroderma — Græsk for tør hud. Xeroderma er desuden betegnelsen for en sjælden hudsygdom med tør og fast hud, fremkaldt af sollyset …   Danske encyklopædi

  • Xeroderma — Xe|ro|dẹr|ma 〈n.; Gen.: s, Pl.: ma|ta od. dẹr|men; Med.〉 Xeroderma pigmentosum erblich bedingte, meist schon im Kindesalter tödlich verlaufende Hautkrankheit mit anfänglicher Flecken u. späterer Warzen u. Karzinombildung [Etym.: <Xero… +… …   Lexikalische Deutsches Wörterbuch

  • xeroderma — n. a mild form of the hereditary disorder ichthyosis, in which the skin develops slight dryness and forms branlike scales. It is common in the elderly. Xeroderma pigmentosum is a rare genetically determined disorder (see genodermatosis) in which… …   The new mediacal dictionary

  • Xeroderma pigmentosum — Référence MIM Voir article Transmission Récessive Chromosome Voir article Gène Voir article Empreinte parentale Non Anticipation Non …   Wikipédia en Français