Xerosis is severely chapped skin that becomes cracked, fissured, and inflamed. It can appear on skin anywhere on the body, but it is seen most commonly on the legs.

Xerosis is caused by insufficient oil on the skin’s surface, which allows water to evaporate through the skin. Oil in the skin decreases with aging, excessive bathing, and excessive rubbing of the skin. An environment with low humidity also promotes dryness of the skin.

PREVENTION/CARE

1. Reduce water loss from the skin:
   1. Decrease the frequency and duration of baths or showers; use tepid water.
   2. Use soap sparingly.
   3. Avoid detergent soaps.
   4. Pat skin dry rather than rubbing.
   5. Apply skin lubricants (Lac-Hydrin, Eucerin, etc.) to dry skin before chapped areas become inflamed.
   6. Use ultrasonic, cool-mist humidifiers if the air is very dry.
   7. Clean the humidifier daily.
   8. Oil (such as Nivea) in the bathwater may be helpful.
   9. Apply lubricants after bathing when possible to trap additional moisture before evaporation occurs.
2. Apply hand cream four to eight times a day to hands and twice daily on the trunk and extremities.

Activity: No restrictions. Avoid long-term exposure to drying environments.

Diet: Eat a well-balanced diet; drink eight to 10 glasses of water per day.

Medications:

You Have Been Prescribed: _____________________________________________________________________________

You Need to Take: ____________________________________________________________________________________

You Need to Notify the Office If You Have:

1. Severely chapped skin, and self-care does not relieve the symptoms in 1 week.
2. Chapped skin that becomes inflamed or if you see any oozing.
3. Any questions or concerns.

Phone: _________________________________

RESOURCE

American Academy of Dermatology

9500 W Bryn Mawr Avenue, Ste 500, Rosemont, IL 60018-5216

United States

Phone: (888) 462-DERM (3376)

www.aad.org