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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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 with...  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 hel...  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 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 »

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 mod...  Read Full »

Why do I have itching all over my body for the last one and a half years?

Query: Hello doctor, I am 49 years old. For the last one and a half years, I have been suffering from itching all over my body, especially in my hands and feet. When it was very itchy, I used to take Prog 1O. Then it did not itch for a few days and started again after a while.  Read Full »


Dr. Dilip Kumar Meena

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I understand your concern. You did not mention that if there are any skin lesions anywhere on the body. The investigation attached (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity) does not show any significant abnormalities. Anyone else in you...  Read Full »

Can discoloration of the penis be treated?

Query: Hi doctor, I have had a discoloration on my penis for a while. It does not itch, but the skin above it is a bit shining and scaly. It becomes dry and white post-erection. Is this normal, and can it be treated? Would you advise any topical treatment, or do you think this is serious, and should I ch...  Read Full »


Dr. Dilip Kumar Meena

Answer: Hello, Welcome back to icliniq.com. I understand your concern. Since you do not have itching, it is xerosis (skin dryness). Usually, fungal infection or dermatitis has itching. I suggest you avoid soap for a while and use moisturizing creams as a topical application with mild antifungal and...  Read Full »

How to help my extreme dry skin and aged look?

Query: Hello doctor, I am a 28-year-old female. I have extremely dry skin and it is reacting with almost every product I use. Mostly, it is becoming dark and now, it started getting saggy and I look older to my age. Though I got advice from many dermatologists none helped. One of them said that it is ato...  Read Full »


Dr. Dhepe Snehal Madhav

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Any history of atopy or allergies? History of photosensitivity, dust exposure, polluted environment, or humidity? Do you have dry patches, scaling, itch, or irritation? You can use Emoderm cream in the daytime for 15 days. Please attach the picture of the lesion f...  Read Full »

Why is my toenail attached to the skin underneath?

Query: Hi doctor, I am a 54 year old male. My height is 165 cm and weight is 62 kg. Currently, I take Stamlo 5 twice a day and Eltroxin 50 mcg once daily. I have dry feet. I keep using foot care cream to make my feet look normal. My toe nails seem to stick with the skin as they grow. I have attached the p...  Read Full »


Dr. Sunil Kumar Kothiwala

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Hypothyroidism is a well known cause for dry skin. Your nails in the photos (attachment removed to protect patient identity) look yellow, thickened, and detached from the nail bed. Are you itching over the feet? It may be onychomycosis, a fungal infection of the nail. I w...  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 f...  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 scrotal skin. They look more like Fordyce spots which usually do not itch. But itching can be due to secondary xe...  Read Full »

Please suggest the best cure for xerosis.

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 3 to 4 liters of water a day. Use a normal Vaseline lotion twice daily or more if required. For further information consult a dermatologist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/de...  Read Full »

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