Maha Theresa Haroun, MD, FRCP(C), Staff Dermatologist, Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Sciences Centre; Division of Dermatology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON.
Xerosis, or dry skin, is a common problem and its incidence and severity increase with age. It is the most common cause of generalised pruritus in the elderly. The cause of dry skin is not completely understood. It has a genetic component and is influenced by environmental factors, such as cold or dry climates, and the use of soaps and harsh cleansers. Age-related changes in the skin also can explain the dryness that tends to develop with age. The management of xerosis should be directed towards altering environmental factors and treating the signs and symptoms of the patient. Attention to the care of dry skin becomes more important as our population ages.
Key words: dry skin, xerosis, aging skin, stratum corneum, moisturisers.
