Common "Xerosis" queries answered by top doctors | iCliniq

Xerosis

Xerosis is otherwise known as dry skin or xeroderma. It occurs due to a lack of moisture in the skin. It results from aging, over scrubbing the skin, taking a long bath in hot water, living in low humidity, living in cold climatic conditions, vigorous towel rubbing on the skin, and diabetes. In this condition, skin appears dry, itchy, and scaly without moisture, especially in the arms and legs. The skin remains tight after bathing. Using moisturizers on the skin helps to reduce it. An oil-based cream is more effective in holding moisture on the skin. Taking short baths with warm water can help to reduce it.

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I suffer from xerosis. How can I cure this?

Query: Hi doctor, I am suffering with xerosis. I had consulted many doctors and wasted so much money without any use. I am really fed up with this. Please suggest the best way to cure this.  Read Full »


Dr. Shaunak Patel

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Limit your use of soap. Do not excessively wash yourself. Have minimum 12 to 16 cups of water a day. Use a normal Vaseline lotion twice daily or more if required.   Read Full »

My 82-year-old father is diabetic and has severe itching in his legs. How to treat it?

Query: Hi doctor, My 82-year-old father, with 40-year-old history of diabetes, has severe itching in his legs. Sugar is controlled well. The skin is dry and looks normal on the legs. He applied coconut oil with no good results. Due to his itching, his skin sheds and peels. No wound is seen. He is on Nitroc...  Read Full »


Dr. Dhepe Snehal Madhav

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I understand your concern. It could be xerosis or xeroderma, or eczema of the legs. It would be best to apply hypoallergic lotion twice daily for 20 days and liquid paraffin lotion once in the daytime for 15 days. I suggest the following medications and lifestyle modif...  Read Full »

What could be the cause of a dry patch and skin peeling on my penis?

Query: Hello doctor,About a week ago, I noticed a dry patch of skin on my penis in the form of a circular area. It was flaky. Then, yesterday, I observed that the skin peeled off, revealing shiny skin underneath. Besides the visual appearance, I do not experience any discomfort such as itching or burning. ...  Read Full »


Dr. Deepti Shukla

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I understand your concern. Based on the information and photos provided (attachments removed to protect patient's identity), it does not appear to be anything serious. It seems to be a case of xerosis, which is dry skin. There is no need to worry. I suggest you to ...  Read Full »

What is the treatment for rashes that aggravate during winter season?

Query: Hi doctor, My 11-year-old girl has rashes on the skin over her hands, legs, and a couple of them on the back, which worsens during cold weather. She has this issue for a few years, but it is aggravating now. I tried a skin cream Betnovate N (active ingredient-Betamethasone valerate); it seems to be ...  Read Full »


Dr. Dilip Kumar Meena

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I understand your concern. Yes, it looks like she has generalized xerosis with atopic eczematous rash. As you have mentioned, it usually worsens in winters due to increased dryness. The key is to use a good moisturizer and not let the skin dry at any point of time. ...  Read Full »

Can fordyce spots cause pricking sensation in genitals?

Query: Hello doctor, I am having a pricking sensation (worsens if I am walking) in my genitals, and very infrequently in my armpits. No itching, only either pricky feeling or like a cut when touched. The dermatologist could not see any infection but another doctor told that it is Fordyce. This has been for...  Read Full »


Dr. Rabia Anjum

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Looking at your photographs (attachment removed to protect patient identity), I can see the follicular prominences (the tiny raised bumps around hair) on the scrotal skin. They look more like Fordyce spots which usually do not itch. But itching can be due to secondar...  Read Full »

What can I do for the dry and rough skin on my palms?

Query: Hello doctor, I am 18 years old and my hands are very dry and rough. There are very deep noticeable cracks in palms and the webbed skin between the thumb and the index finger is very dry and rough. No lotions help. It is a big self-conscious thing. It has been this way since I can remember. Any help...  Read Full »


Dr. Shaunak Patel

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I am glad you asked this. In my professional opinion, this could either be a worse case of dry hands (xerosis) or a localized form of palmar keratoderma, a close-up examination with regards to surface elasticity and color would be elemental in determining the diagnosis....  Read Full »

What is the cause of dry skin in the front of my lower legs?

Query: Hi doctor,I have some dry skin in the front of my lower legs, but it is on both legs. It is red and looks like dry skin. It does not itch, and I have had it for a few months. Do you have any idea of what could it be?  Read Full »


Dr. Shalini Patodiya

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. It is xerosis that is, dry skin. Shins are common sites for xerosis. Xerosis can be due to a cold climate, atopic dermatitis or certain other disorders such as hypothyroidism. I suggest you the following treatment for xerosis. Consult your specialist doctor, discuss ...  Read Full »

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