<Things you should know> The correct knowledge about "dry skin/xerosis" Causes, symptoms, and treatments for "dry skin/xerosis" What is dry skin/xerosis? Mechanism and causes of dry skin/xerosis Symptoms (areas) of dry skin/xerosis Prevention and treatment methods for dry skin/xerosis While winter is typically the season for dry air, skin can also become dry in summer due to factors like air conditioning. Underestimating simple dryness can lead to complications such as eczema and inflammation. This article explains what dry skin (xerosis) is, its causes, and provides information on prevention and treatment. What is dry skin/xerosis? Dry skin literally refers to a condition where the skin is dry, and is also called dry skin. Specifically, symptoms include feeling tightness in the skin after washing your face or bathing, roughness, and a flaky appearance. If this dryness progresses further, it can lead to "xerosis" (or xerosis). With xerosis, the skin loses even more flexibility and becomes rough, and symptoms such as cracking and peeling may occur. It may also cause itching, and scratching can trigger dermatitis (eczema).As we age, our skin tends to become drier, but it is said that women tend to experience dryness at an earlier age than men. Senile xeroderma Xerosis, a type of skin condition that occurs in older adults, is sometimes specifically called senile xerosis. As we age, the moisturizing function of the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the skin) decreases, reducing the skin's moisture and oil content, causing it to become rough, hard, and prone to peeling and cracking.Symptoms are particularly noticeable in the lower legs of elderly people during the dry winter months, and may be accompanied by itching. Habits such as bathing in very hot water or scrubbing the skin vigorously with towels can worsen dryness.This condition is not limited to the elderly; similar symptoms can occur from excessive scrubbing during bathing or overuse of highly cleansing soaps, so those with such habits should be careful. As dry skin and xerosis progress When the skin is dry, its barrier function is not adequate, making it more susceptible to external irritants. These irritants can lead to dermatitis and eczema, a condition known as asteatotic eczema (dry dermatitis). This condition is characterized by severe itching and redness, and scratching can lead to blisters.When eczema develops, the skin's turnover (the period during which metabolism occurs) shortens. Epidermal cells, formed deep within the skin, grow and improve their moisturizing function as they move to the skin's surface. However, when the turnover period shortens, these cells reach the outermost layer of skin without sufficient moisturizing function. As a result, the skin becomes even more prone to dryness, and this vicious cycle worsens and prolongs the symptoms.We also explain skin cell turnover in "<Things You Should Know> The Right Knowledge About Skin Problems," so please refer to that as well. Mechanism and causes of dry skin/xerosis The outermost layer of skin, the stratum corneum, acts as a barrier, preventing moisture from escaping the body and simultaneously blocking harmful substances from entering. When this barrier function weakens, moisture can easily escape from the body (i.e., the skin becomes more prone to dryness). The mechanism of dry skin/xerosis The following are the main causes of a weakened skin barrier function. It is unlikely that just one of these causes is responsible; in many cases, multiple factors are involved. Disruption of cell turnover Dry air Aging Lack of sleep, overwork Nutritional deficiency smoking UV rays Temperature drop Over-washing or over-scrubbing during bathing or face washing. Bathing for long periods, frequently, or in hot water These factors reduce the skin's natural moisturizing function and the necessary sebum, leading to progressive skin dryness. Symptoms (areas) of dry skin/xerosis As explained earlier, dry skin can manifest as tightness, dryness, and flaking after washing your face or taking a bath.As xerosis progresses, the skin becomes tighter, rougher, cracked, and the surface of the skin may peel off in a fuzzy manner, sometimes accompanied by itching. Commonly occurring areas Symptoms are particularly noticeable below the knees. Other areas prone to dryness include the shoulders, elbows, waist, soles of the feet, and on the face, around the eyes, cheeks, and mouth. Prevention and treatment methods for dry skin/xerosis To prevent dry skin, you should avoid the causes of dryness mentioned earlier. If you've started to notice dry skin or are constantly troubled by dryness, please refer to the following prevention and treatment methods. Basic prevention and treatment methods for dry skin Use of moisturizers Apply a moisturizer after bathing, while moisture is still present in the stratum corneum. Among moisturizers, those containing ingredients that improve the skin's barrier function, such as heparinoid, are recommended. These can be purchased at drugstores and other retailers. Improving bathing habits Bathing habits such as preferring hot baths or showers with water exceeding 43°C, using strong cleansing soaps, and scrubbing vigorously with nylon towels can strip the skin of essential oils and remove too much of the stratum corneum, reducing its moisturizing function. As a result, this can cause or worsen dry skin. First, let's review whether your bathing habits are contributing to dryness. Indoor humidification When the air that touches your skin is dry, your skin is more prone to losing moisture. This is true not only in winter when humidity is low, but also in summer when using air conditioning, so humidify the room when you feel dry. In addition to using a humidifier, you can also increase the humidity in a room by drying laundry indoors or leaving the bathroom door open after bathing. A regular lifestyle and a nutritionally balanced diet Lack of sleep, an unbalanced diet, and nutritional deficiencies caused by extreme dieting can all lead to disruptions in skin cell turnover.Skin metabolism is most active at night during sleep, so getting enough sleep is important for promoting cell turnover.Furthermore, since the skin requires many nutrients such as protein, vitamins (B2, C, A, E, beta-carotene), and minerals (zinc, selenium), it is more important to focus on a nutritionally balanced diet rather than eating specific foods. Avoid wearing synthetic fibers or wool. The "zap" of static electricity and the prickly feeling of the fibers themselves are not good for dry skin. Static electricity also attracts dust and pollen from the air to the skin, so it's best to avoid clothing made of synthetic fibers or wool. Especially for underwear that comes into direct contact with the skin, choose breathable materials such as cotton that are less irritating to the skin. Avoid using electric blankets. Using electric blankets in winter can worsen skin dryness. It's best to avoid using them altogether. If you absolutely must use one, preheat your bedding with the electric blanket and either turn it off or use it at a low temperature before going to sleep. If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, go to the hospital. If you experience severe itching, eczema, or inflammation, you should see a dermatologist. Depending on your symptoms, you may be prescribed topical steroids or moisturizers.Furthermore, sometimes skin problems aren't the only issue; underlying medical conditions can be present. In such cases, it's best to first have an examination at a dermatology clinic and then be referred to a specialist based on the results. We take care to post accurate information,Please point out any incorrect information. Please submit any comments regarding medical information here. Return to the list of guides categorized by health symptoms.