What is xerosis on the legs?
Xerosis is an extreme case of dry skin, which causes the cells of the stratum corneum to dry out, peel and scale. This results in the accumulation of loose keratin scales of varying sizes and textures. The scales are most often dry, brittle and shiny but may also be oily and dull. Their color varies from whitish-gray to yellow, or from brown to silver.
What are the causes of xerosis on the legs?
dietary deficiencies, poorer blood circulation in the elderly, the use of certain drugs including modern anti-cancer drugs that block cell growth, Biological drug therapy such as afatinib (Gilotrif), osimertinib (Tagrisso), cetuximab (Erbitux), panitumumab (Vectibix), gefitinib (Iressa), erlotinib (Tarceva), trastuzumab (Herceptin) and lapatinib (Tyverb) chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
What does xerosis on the legs look like?
Early signs of xerosis are very rapidly developing diffuse erythema, which can vary in size depending on the individual. Then, linear cracks on the stratum corneum often appear, resembling those found on dry ground. These cracks usually occur on the legs, arms, fingers and hands, and are caused by an extreme lack of water and fats in the stratum corneum. Xerosis is extremely itchy and can be painful. To find quick relief, individuals usually scratch the affected area but doing so only causes more scales to form, encourages scabs and increases the risk of further injury.
Treatment for xerosis on the legs
Outwith medical intervention and for at-home treatment:
- Wash the legs and body every morning with the gentle, non-foaming Eudermic Cleansing Base.
- After washing and drying, apply Extreme Emollient Ointment. Apply the Ointment again in the evening.
Extreme Emollient Ointment rehydrates the skin and helps it regain lost fats.
Treatment for xerosis with inflammation and itching
- suspend all types of washing
- Apply Dermictiol Cream in the morning, which soothes skin thanks to its healing, anti-inflammatory and anti-itching properties.
Once the xerosis has regressed, use Eudermic Cleansing Base for washing once a day.
Use Eudermic Cleansing Base once a day for skin cleansing. Continue applying Extreme Emollient Ointment every morning and evening.
