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`!Xeroderma`! is a `F33f`_`[skin condition`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Skin_condition]`_`f characterized by excessively dry `F33f`_`[skin`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Skin]`_`f.`:cite-ref-2[`F5bf`_`[2`#cite-note-2]`_`f] Medically, the synonyms `!xerosis`! or `!xerosis cutis`! are sometimes used, while `!dry skin`! is used colloquially. When present in `F33f`_`[dark skin`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Dark_skin]`_`f, xeroderma is sometimes colloquially referred to as `!ashiness`! or `!ashy skin`!.`:cite-ref-3[`F5bf`_`[3`#cite-note-3]`_`f]`:cite-ref-4[`F5bf`_`[4`#cite-note-4]`_`f] Xeroderma derives from `F33f`_`[Greek`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Greek_language]`_`f ξηρός`* (xeros)`* 'dry' and δέρμα`* (derma)`* 'skin'.

In most cases, dry skin can safely be treated with `F33f`_`[moisturizers`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Moisturizer]`_`f (also called emollients). Xeroderma occurs most commonly on the `F33f`_`[scalp`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Scalp]`_`f, lower `F33f`_`[legs`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Human_leg]`_`f, `F33f`_`[arms`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Arm]`_`f, hands, `F33f`_`[knuckles`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Knuckle]`_`f, the sides of the `F33f`_`[abdomen`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Abdomen]`_`f, and `F33f`_`[thighs`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Thigh]`_`f. Symptoms most associated with xeroderma are such `F33f`_`[skin conditions`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Skin_conditions]`_`f as scaling (the visible peeling of the outer skin layer), `F33f`_`[itching`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Itching]`_`f, and `F33f`_`[skin fissures`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Skin_fissure]`_`f (cracked skin).`:cite-ref-5[`F5bf`_`[5`#cite-note-5]`_`f]

>>Contents

• `F0af`_`[Causes`#causes]`_`f

• `F0af`_`[Prevention`#prevention]`_`f

• `F0af`_`[Treatment`#treatment]`_`f

• `F0af`_`[Safety`#safety]`_`f

• `F0af`_`[See also`#see-also]`_`f

• `F0af`_`[References`#references]`_`f

• `F0af`_`[External links`#external-links]`_`f

-─

>>Causes

Xeroderma is a very common condition. It happens more often in the winter when the cold air outside and the hot air inside create a low `F33f`_`[relative humidity`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Relative_humidity]`_`f. This causes the skin to lose moisture and it may crack and peel. `F33f`_`[Bathing`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Bathing]`_`f or `F33f`_`[hand washing`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Hand_washing]`_`f too frequently, especially if one is using harsh `F33f`_`[soaps`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Soap]`_`f, can contribute to xeroderma. Xeroderma can be caused by a deficiency of `F33f`_`[vitamin A`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Vitamin_A_deficiency]`_`f, `F33f`_`[vitamin D`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Vitamin_D_deficiency]`_`f, `F33f`_`[zinc`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Zinc_deficiency]`_`f, `F33f`_`[systemic illness`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Systemic_illness]`_`f, severe `F33f`_`[sunburn`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Sunburn]`_`f, or some `F33f`_`[medication`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Medication]`_`f.`:cite-ref-6[`F5bf`_`[6`#cite-note-6]`_`f] Xeroderma can be caused by `F33f`_`[choline inhibitors`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Choline_inhibitor]`_`f. `F33f`_`[Detergents`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Detergents]`_`f such as `F33f`_`[washing powder`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Washing_powder]`_`f and `F33f`_`[dishwashing liquid`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Dishwashing_liquid]`_`f can cause xeroderma.`:cite-ref-7[`F5bf`_`[7`#cite-note-7]`_`f]

>>Prevention

Today, many creams and lotions, commonly based on vegetable oils/butters, petroleum oils/jellies, and `F33f`_`[lanolin`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Lanolin]`_`f are widely available. As a preventive measure, such products may be rubbed onto the affected area as needed (often every other day) to prevent dry skin. The skin is then patted dry to prevent the removal of natural lipids from the skin. Taking a shower or washing hands with special moisturizing soaps or body washes can protect the skin from drying out further.

>>Treatment

Repeated application (typically over a few days) of `F33f`_`[emollients`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Emollients]`_`f or skin lotions/creams to the affected area will likely result in quick alleviation of xeroderma. In particular, the application of highly occlusive barriers to moisture, such as `F33f`_`[petrolatum`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Petrolatum]`_`f, vegetable oils/butters, and `F33f`_`[mineral oil`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Mineral_oil]`_`f have been shown to provide excellent results. Many individuals find specific commercial skin creams and lotions (often comprising oils, butters, and or waxes emulsified in water) quite effective (although individual preferences and results vary among the wide array of commercially available creams).`:cite-ref-8[`F5bf`_`[8`#cite-note-8]`_`f]

`F33f`_`[Lanolin`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Lanolin]`_`f, a natural mixture of lipids derived from sheep's wool, helps replace natural lipids in human skin and has been used since ancient times (and in modern medicine) as among the most powerful treatments for xeroderma. Some people may, however, have allergies to lanolin, producing the opposite of the desired effect.`:cite-ref-9[`F5bf`_`[9`#cite-note-9]`_`f] Also, pure lanolin is a thick waxy substance which, for many individuals, proves difficult and inconvenient for general use on dry skin (especially over large areas of the body). As a result, many formulated lanolin products, having a softer consistency than pure lanolin, are available.

>>>Safety

Many skin creams include common allergens such as fragrances, `F33f`_`[parabens`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Paraben]`_`f, and lanolin.`:cite-ref-10[`F5bf`_`[10`#cite-note-10]`_`f]

>>See also

• `F33f`_`[Eczema`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Eczema]`_`f

• `F33f`_`[Ichthyosis`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Ichthyosis]`_`f

• `F33f`_`[Xeroderma pigmentosum`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Xeroderma_pigmentosum]`_`f

>>References

`:cite-note-bolognia-1`!1.`! `:citerefrapini-ronald-p-bolognia-jean-l-jorizzo-joseph-l-2007`aRapini, Ronald P.; Bolognia, Jean L.; Jorizzo, Joseph L. (2007). `*Dermatology: 2-Volume Set`*. St. Louis: Mosby. `F33f`_`[ISBN`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=ISBN_(identifier)]`_`f 978-1-4160-2999-1.

`:cite-note-2`!2.`! `F0af`_`[↑`#cite-ref-2]`_`f "Dry Skin (Xeroderma) - Skin Disorders". `*Merck Manuals Consumer Version`*. May 2021. Retrieved 17 May 2022.

`:cite-note-3`!3.`! `F0af`_`[↑`#cite-ref-3]`_`f `:citereftaylor2005`aTaylor, Susan C (1 November 2005). "Enhancing the care and treatment of skin of color, part 2: understanding skin physiology". `*Cutis`*. `!76`! (5): 302–306.

`:cite-note-4`!4.`! `F0af`_`[↑`#cite-ref-4]`_`f `:citerefalexiswoolery-lloydwilliamsandriessen2021`aAlexis, Andrew; Woolery-Lloyd, Heather; Williams, Kiyanna; Andriessen, Anneke; Desai, Seemal; Han, George; Perez, Maritza; Roberts, Wendy; Taylor, Susan (1 September 2021). "Racial/Ethnic Variations in Skin Barrier: Implications for Skin Care Recommendations in Skin of Color". `*Journal of Drugs in Dermatology`*. `!20`! (9): 932–938. `F33f`_`[doi`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Doi_(identifier)]`_`f:10.36849/JDD.6312.

`:cite-note-5`!5.`! `F0af`_`[↑`#cite-ref-5]`_`f `:citerefprokschberardesca2019`aProksch, Ehrhardt; Berardesca, Enzo (19 June 2019). "Dry skin management: practical approach in light of latest research on skin structure and function". `*Journal of Dermatological Treatment`*. `!31`! (7): 716–722. Retrieved 17 May 2022.

`:cite-note-6`!6.`! `F0af`_`[↑`#cite-ref-6]`_`f "Medical Definition of Xeroderma". `*MedTerms`*. 29 March 2021. Retrieved 17 May 2022.

`:cite-note-7`!7.`! `F0af`_`[↑`#cite-ref-7]`_`f "Dry Skin (Xeroderma)". `*Merck Manuals`*. May 2021. Retrieved 17 May 2022.

`:cite-note-8`!8.`! `F0af`_`[↑`#cite-ref-8]`_`f "Managing Dry Skin". `*US Pharmacist`*. `!30`! (3). 2005. Retrieved 17 May 2022.

`:cite-note-9`!9.`! `F0af`_`[↑`#cite-ref-9]`_`f `:citerefr-wolf1996`aR. Wolf (1996). "The Lanolin Paradox". `*Dermatology`*. `!192`! (3): 198–202.

`:cite-note-10`!10.`! `F0af`_`[↑`#cite-ref-10]`_`f `:citerefzirwas-mjstechschulte-sa2008`aZirwas MJ; Stechschulte SA (2008). "Moisturizer allergy: diagnosis and management". `*J Clin Aesthet Dermatol`*. `!1`! (4): 38–44.

>>External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to

Xeroderma

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