Though there is ambiguity in its medical definition, dry skin is a frequent skin problem of increasing importance these days. Generally "dry skin" denotes the status of skin showing erythema, roughness, scales, and itching resulted from low water
content in the skin.
Abnormalities in epidermal lipids, natural moisturizing factors, or corneocyte desquamation are regarded as important factors in its pathophysiology. It is not only accompanied with skin aging, but with various kinds of skin and systemic
diseases(such
as atopic dermatitis, ichthyosis, chronic renal failure, and diabetes mellitus).
Important principles in the management or treatment of dry skin are preventing excessive washing and keeping moisture in the epidermis. For gentle cleansing, mild surfactants are better than the soap. Moisturizers are applied to the surface of
skin
to
increase epidermal water content. Two different kinds of moisturizers are used as a mixture for the best result. Humectants are the material that draw water from the air or dermis. And emollients are the material that protects membrane by
preventing
water from evaporating from the epidermis. Though moisturizers are very helpful in management of dry skin, harmful result may happen by inadequate selection and wrong use.
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