The skin is so dry that it peels off. What is xerosis and why does it occur?
Before treatment, the cause that provoked the development of the disease should be established. Excessive dryness of the skin can be one of the symptoms of other diseases.
In winter, the skin is under a lot of stress. Sudden changes in temperature and air humidity, icy wind can lead to excessive dryness, especially on open areas: face, hands. And sometimes redness appears, annoying itching, cracks and crusts, and applying cream does not give the effect. What can this problem signal?
“This is how xerosis manifests itself,” says Zhanna Prykhodko, a dermatologist-cosmetologist. — It can develop at any age under the influence of external factors in winter. And it can also be the result of an imbalance in the biosynthesis of lipids in the body, a deficiency of amino acids and vitamins, a decrease in the level of steroid hormones (estrogens and androgens), the use of aggressive cosmetics, improper or irregular skin care.
Xerosis develops gradually – from an episodic or slight feeling of tightness and dryness, which indicates a violation of the protective function of the skin. Then it starts to itch, becomes hypersensitive (reacts painfully to cosmetics, water), microcracks and redness appear on it.
— How to deal with this problem?
— First of all, the cause that provoked the development of the disease should be established. Often, excessive dryness of the skin is one of the symptoms of such a common disease as type 2 diabetes. I had a middle-aged patient whose skin was so dry that it was covered with scales. Special moisturizing and nourishing creams did not help. She advised him to take a blood test and it turned out that he had an elevated sugar level. And the man did not even guess about it. An appropriate diet, drugs to lower the level of glucose and, finally, medical creams in a complex gave the expected effect – the skin took on a healthy appearance.
— What is the danger of untreated xerosis?
– Itching becomes obsessive. Eventually, the skin atrophies, thickens, and ulcers may form on it. It is better not to bring yourself to such a state.
— How to deal with dry skin in winter?
— Skin prone to dryness should be cleaned as delicately as possible, moisturized and softened. A frequent mistake of women is to use a moisturizing day cream before going out into the frosty street. This can be done no later than an hour before going out, the product must be well absorbed, because the moisturized skin quickly airs out. You should also not use alcohol-based face care products – this can further dry out the skin.
In winter, you should not wash your hands with very hot or, on the contrary, with cold water. It is necessary to choose a non-aggressive soap with a lower pH level. Avoid dryers with hot air, dry your hands with a towel, and then lubricate them with a moisturizing cream every time after washing. On cracked hands, you must apply a restorative ointment that will help the skin to heal.
And here is the simplest recipe for a nourishing mask (for hands and face): mix one raw egg yolk, one teaspoon of oatmeal, and the same amount of oil. Apply the mixture to your face, and after 10 minutes wash it off with water.
Author: Iryna Kontorskih
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