Everyone experiences dry skin due to a number of factors, from changes in weather to taking hot showers. In some cases, serious dry skin that flakes and cracks points to a condition called xerosis cutis, or xeroderma. In southeast Texas, it can occur on any part of your body and causes a lot of problems on your lower extremities, such as winter foot pain and skin tightness on your heels. However, Houston Heel Pain can be diagnosed and a podiatrist can help relieve the symptoms.
Explaining Xerosis Cutis
Xerosis cutis occurs mostly in older adults, and the symptoms sometimes go away with at-home treatment. Unfortunately, as you get older, your skin has a more difficult time retaining its moisture, which leads to dryness and roughness because of lost water and natural oils. A podiatrist may recommend oil-based creams and other topical medications to remedy the symptoms.
How Does Xerosis Cutis Develop?
Xerosis cutis develops once the surface of your skin has a decreased amount of oil. In most cases, it is the result of cold, dry weather or keeping the air conditioning too low in your home. It also develops from bathing too frequently in hot water. Other causes for xerosis cutis include:
- Dehydration
- Excessive sun exposure
- Living in low-humidity climates
- Overly cleansing your skin
- Overly drying your skin with a towel
Xerosis Cutis Symptoms
See a foot doctor once your symptoms reach uncomfortable levels or for advice on how to reduce the symptoms altogether. The most common symptoms include dryness, itching and scaling on your heels. Other symptoms include:
- Tight skin
- Flaky, whitish skin
- Fine cracks that appear on your skin
- Irritation that causes red or pink skin
The dry, itchy feeling sometimes occurs after bathing or spending an extended time outdoors in the cold. Preventing dry skin becomes a challenge during the winter months and as you age, but it is possible to reduce the symptoms by modifying your daily activities. Minimize the effects of xerosis cutis by:
- Avoiding hot baths
- Bathing in lukewarm water
- Avoiding excessive sun exposure
- Using skin cleansers without alcohol and dyes
- Patting your skin with a towel after a bath
- Drinking plenty of water throughout the day
- Using oil-based creams
- Investing in a humidifier for your home
Who Gets Xerosis Cutis?
People over 40 years of age have a higher chance of developing xerosis cutis. Nursing, hairstyling and other careers that involve immersing your skin in water also increase the risk. Even swimmers who spend a lot of time in chlorinated pools develop dry skin and increase their chance of developing xerosis cutis as they age. Young people also develop dry skin and a condition called eczema, which causes itching, scaly skin and blisters.
Risk Factors of Xerosis Cutis
Having dry heels increases your risk of developing a bacterial infection. Once your skin cracks, it allows bacteria to enter your heels and cause an infection that leads to other problems. Severe dry skin on your heels creates deep cracks that often open and bleed, creating the ideal condition for fungi and bacteria.
Treating Xerosis Cutis
Use regular moisturizing creams to relieve your dry skin and reduce your symptoms. Oil-based creams provide a more effective treatment than water-based solutions. Creams with lactic acid treat your dry skin while topical medications with hydrocortisone relieve the itching.
See your foot doctor if your symptoms stay the same or worsen even with at-home treatment. If you experience skin peeling on your heels, a rash or oozing, see your podiatrist and avoid scratching the area. Scratching only makes the condition worse and increases the chances of your heels developing a bacterial infection.
