Xerosis 101

You’ve probably never heard of Xerosis, but chances are you’ve come across it before. Xerosis is the medical term for dry skin. At Integrity Foot and Ankle Associates in Lorain, OH, Drs. David Hintz and Michael Wenowitz specialize in treating conditions like severe dry skin or Xerosis. Here’s everything you need to know about this condition. 

Causes

Xerosis is typically caused by a change in the environment. This is why it’s more common to experience Xerosis in the cold winter months, where your skin is increasingly prone to losing water.

 

Other causes include:

-Dehydration

-Overdrying the skin

-Bathing or showering frequently

-Bathing or showering with hot water excessively

-Sun exposure

-Living in areas of low humidity

Symptoms

-Itchy, dry, and even scaly skin

-Flaky skin

-Skin that’s tight, especially after bathing

-Irritated skin or skin with cracks

Risk Factors
Older people are more susceptible to Xerosis than younger people. Aging skin is more prone to dryness because of the less active sweat glands. With higher levels of blood glucose, diabetic patients are also at a higher risk for dry skin and Xerosis.

Treatment

Xerosis is a fairly common ailment, so treatment is simple as well. If you’re experiencing severe dryness, your Lorain, OH podiatrists recommend using a moisture-rich lotion to apply to the area. However, if you’re Xerosis persists for more than two weeks, it may be a viral infection. Contact Integrity Foot and Ankle Associates right away for an appointment.

Doctors David J. Hintz and Michael A. Wenowitz run Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road #B, Lorain, Ohio, 44053. To schedule an appointment or to learn more about Xerosis, visit Integrity Foot and Ankle or call 440-282-1221.