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You’ve probably had dry skin before.  In fact, most people do face some dry skin at some point in their lives.  Is it something to worry about?  Should you seek out a doctor’s help?  Those questions must be answered on an individual basis, but what you should know is what the medical science behind dry skin actually is.  There are several qualifications to consider, here.

Dry skin is medically called Xeroderma.  The term Xeroderma actually means dry skin.  This condition is one that involved the integumentary system of your body.  That is, it effects your skin, or your largest organ.  In most cases, this condition happens because your body has lost important natural oils and moisture from its cell walls, which causes your skin to become dry feeling.  Since the skin is composed of several layers, the reaction to this may be different depending on the extent of the condition.

For most patients, the only necessary treatment for dry skin is to take better care of it and to use moisturizers and emollients on the skin.  These things will replenish the lost moisture and oils in the skin, allowing your body to feel better because it has what it needs to remain healthy.  For more serious conditions in which the skin is damaged through being too dry, there are prescription ointments and moisturizers that can be administered for maximum benefit.

Xeroderma happens throughout the body but there are some areas that see it much more often than others.  For example, you may find that your lower legs, your arms, your thighs and your body’s side, near the abdomen are the most common areas.  Others include the hands, the face and the neck area. 

If you are suffering from Xeroderma or dry skin your symptoms can range in severity.  Usually, you will experience scaling which is actually the loss of the first layer of outer skin on your body.  This is often a visible sign.  Others including itching and even in extreme cases, cracks will appear in the skin.  This is often the case for those that have dry skin on their feet.

Dry skin is a common problem that most people will face at some point in their lives.  Large or small, it will be one that you should take care of as those that continue to experience it are likely to scratch the skin which can in fact tear it open causing more damage.