Xerosis is the medical name for dry skin, and it is a very common skin condition that can occur at any age, however it tends to worsen as we grow older. By the time we are 40, many people need to use a good moisturizer every day to combat xerosis of skin. Extremely dry skin that does not improve with moisturizer may develop into a rash called dermatitis that can require prescription topical medication to treat. Our very dry climate in Colorado significantly increases the chance for frequent and severely dry skin which can make it much harder to stay moisturized. Very dry skin often becomes very itchy and can be a source of significant discomfort, and frequent scratching will only worsen Xerosis and should be avoided.
Xerosis & Dry Skin Treatment in Colorado Springs
There are a few steps that you can take to treat dry skin or Xerosis. Moisturizing is often the first step that we recommend to patients for dry skin treatment. Moisturizers come as creams or lotions for the face and as ointments, creams, lotions, or oils for the body. Sometimes a topical steroid or an alternative topical prescription medication may be required in addition to a good moisturizer fro Xerosis treatment. These medications would be prescribed by your dermatologist to help relieve itch, redness, and any swelling or thickening of dry skin. Frequent hand washing or the use of antibiotic soaps may dry out the skin even more, so it is recommended to only use gentle moisturizing soaps.
It is also recommended to not use hot water for bathing as this will remove your skin’s natural oils more quickly. Use warm or lukewarm water instead and limit time in the bathtub or shower to about 5 minutes or less. Using a moisturizer immediately after bathing is recommended, and an ointment will be more effective when the skin is still damp. A lotion or cream should be used later in the day if the skin is very dry. A humidifier at home can help to provide more moisture, which can lessen the effects of dry skin, and applying cool cloths may soothe itchy dry skin that is agitated.
We encourage you to refer to our handout with instructions for taking care of dry skin which contains many helpful tips for taking care of your skin in our dry climate. You can find other helpful information handouts on our patient resources page.
If you are suffering from Xerosis of skin and looking for professional dry skin treatment options in Colorado Springs or Monument, CO, contact us today. Our staff of Board-Certified Dermatologists can help create a Xerosis treatment plan that is specific to your unique needs.