Xeroderma

Book
In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan.
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Excerpt

Xeroderma, also known as dry skin, xerosis cutis, or asteatosis, is a prevalent condition resulting from inadequate hydrolipids in the skin. This deficiency can manifest as roughness, tightness, flaking, and scaling of the skin. The condition may lead to pruritus, resulting in excoriations and an elevated susceptibility to skin infections. Xeroderma has a multifactorial etiology, often triggered by environmental changes, underlying diseases, medications, or advanced age.

Although xeroderma can impact all body parts, it tends to occur more frequently in areas with fewer sebaceous glands, such as the lower legs, forearms, hands, and feet. The primary treatment approach for xeroderma involves using moisturizers, which effectively repair the epidermal skin barrier and restore proper hydration.

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