What is the medical term for dry skin?

Is xerosis the same as eczema?

Xerosis describes dryness; eczema involves skin inflammation. They can occur together, but the terms are not interchangeable. Very dry skin can become inflamed, producing asteatotic dermatitis, also called asteatotic eczema. Eczema craquele describes the cracked appearance associated with this dryness. Xerosis and xeroderma both name dry skin.134

What does xerosis look and feel like?

Dry skin often feels rough or tight and looks flaky or scaly. It can itch, but itching is not required. Fine cracks can develop, and severe dryness can cause deeper cracks or bleeding. Skin can also become lighter or darker than its usual tone, or look red to purple. Dryness can affect a small patch or a larger area. Hands and lower legs are common sites, although dry skin can occur elsewhere, including the face.23

Why does skin become dry?

The outer layer of skin contains skin cells and natural oils that form a barrier against water loss, which is a more demanding job than naming the problem in Latin. Washing, detergents and friction can disturb that barrier, allowing moisture to escape. The skin barrier keeps moisture in, which is more useful than giving dryness a longer name.3

Common triggers include cold or dry weather, indoor heating or air conditioning, long or frequent baths, and harsh soaps. Aging also increases the risk as skin becomes thinner and produces less natural oil. Some topical and oral medicines cause dryness. Eczema, psoriasis, diabetes and an underactive thyroid can also be associated with dry skin. The word xerosis describes the dryness, not which of these factors caused it.1

How do you care for dry skin?

1. 1Keep showers short, about 5 to 10 minutes, and use lukewarm rather than hot water.
2. 2Wash gently with a mild cleanser without fragrance. Avoid scrubbing and antibacterial soaps.
3. 3Pat or blot the skin dry instead of rubbing it with a towel.
4. 4Apply a moisturizer immediately after washing, while the skin is still damp. Use a cream or ointment rather than a thin lotion for pronounced dryness.
5. 5Continue moisturizing daily, including in the morning and before bed. Moisturize your hands after each hand wash.

Moisturizers soften rough skin and help reduce water loss. Useful ingredients include glycerin, petrolatum, dimethicone, urea and lactic acid. Thicker moisturizers generally retain moisture better than water based lotions, although lighter lotions can be easier to tolerate in warm climates, which gives the bathroom shelf a sorting system more useful than alphabetical order. A humidifier can help when indoor air is dry, which makes the room an unusually large skincare accessory.35

When should you see a doctor?

Arrange a medical assessment if dryness does not go away or keeps returning despite moisturizing. Painful cracks, bleeding, or marked inflammation also deserve attention because broken skin can become infected. A clinician usually assesses dry skin by examining it and asking about symptoms, medicines and medical history. Tests are sometimes needed if an underlying health problem is suspected. Inflamed, very itchy areas sometimes need prescribed treatment rather than moisturizer alone.12