Xerotic eczema
| Xerotic eczema | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Eczema craquelé, Pruritus hiemalis, Asteatotic eczema, Winter itch,[1]: 81 Desiccation dermatitis, and Winter eczema[2]) |
| Specialty | Dermatology |
Xerotic eczemais a form ofeczemathat is characterized by changes that occur whenskinbecomes abnormallydry,red,itchy,and cracked. It tends to occur more often during the winter and in dry conditions.
Xerotic eczema is common inelderlypeople, though it is not uncommon for people in their 20s. It can appear in red, bumpy,pimple-likeirritations.
Treatment
[edit]The first method that should be taken when treating xerotic eczema is attempting to re-hydrate the dry skin using a humidifier and bathing/showering less frequently. Mild and moisturizing soaps should be used to prevent further irritation.[3]Scratchingthe affected area should be avoided. Applyingmoisturizinglotionor anti-itch ointment frequently should help in reducing dryness.
If the re-hydration process does not alleviate the symptoms, moisturizers such as Lac-Hydrin 5% or 12% moisturizer containing urea can be used; furthermore, if the skin becomes inflamed or cracked, mid- to high-potency corticosteroids can be used.[3]
A study published in 2005 found positive results from soaking the affected area in water for twenty minutes and then applying mid- to high-strengthcorticosteroidointment.[4]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^James, William; Berger, Timothy; Elston, Dirk (2005).Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology.(10th ed.). Saunders.ISBN0-7216-2921-0.
- ^Rapini, Ronald P.; Bolognia, Jean L.; Jorizzo, Joseph L. (2007).Dermatology: 2-Volume Set.St. Louis: Mosby.ISBN978-1-4160-2999-1.
- ^abMash, Marlene J.; Fedor, Maria; Bonnington, Lucy (2007-01-01)."Skin Problems".Primary Care Geriatrics:612–623.doi:10.1016/B978-032303930-7.50061-4.ISBN9780323039307.
- ^Gutman AB, Kligman AM, Sciacca J, James WD.Soak and smear: a standard technique revisited.Archives of Dermatology.2005 Dec;141(12):1556-9.