Xeroderma is dry skin that is neither inherited nor associated with systemic abnormalities. Diagnosis is clinical. Treatment involves moisturizers and other measures to keep the skin moist.
Xeroderma results from delayed shedding of the superficial cells of the skin, yielding fine white scale. Risk factors for xerosis include the following:
Residence in a dry, cold climate
Older age
Frequent bathing, particularly if using harsh soaps
Severe dry skin on the hands may become inflamed, leading to hand dermatitis (hand eczema).
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Diagnosis of Xeroderma
Clinical evaluation
Diagnosis of xeroderma is based on clinical evaluation.
Xeroderma can usually be differentiated by inflammatory disorders such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis by the absence of erythema in xeroderma. Unlike the fine white scales of xeroderma, ichthyosis is characterized by fish-like scales.
Treatment of Xeroderma
Maximization of skin moisture
Treatment of xeroderma is focused on keeping the skin moist:
Frequency of bathing should decrease and tepid, rather than hot, water should be used.
Skin moisturizers should be used frequently, particularly immediately after bathing, to decrease transepidermal water loss. Thicker moisturizers
Increasing fluid intake and using humidifiers also help.
Patients who develop hand dermatitis sometimes require topical corticosteroids to decrease inflammation and maintain the skin barrier.
