Dry skin can depend on the skin type and can be hereditary. Everyday situations can trigger dry skin. However, it does not necessarily have to be a cosmetic problem, but it can be accompanied by a disease. With dry skin, inflammation can occur much more easily than with healthy, normal skin. For this reason, it is very important to take proper care of the skin. However, in some cases it is necessary to find and treat the cause of dry skin. If the cause is left untreated, problems will always occur.
What is dry skin – a definition
In psoriasis, scaly skin lesions and inflammation occur. Highly elevated skin cells are formed. In healthy people, the top layer of skin renews itself during 28 days. In patients with psoriasis, this process takes only four days. According to recent research, the immune system is responsible for this disease. Scaly patches of skin occur mainly on the elbows and knees, the scalp and in the anal region. There are sharply defined rednesses, which are characterized by a tear. Severe courses of the disease are characterized by nail changes, the so-called psoriasis unguium. Further tips and information on causes, diagnosis and therapy can be found here: Psoriasis
Contact eczema
Contact eczema occurs when the skin reacts allergically to contact with certain substances. The inflammatory skin change is the most common skin disease in this country. Direct or indirect contact with the allergen leads to sensitization. In case of renewed contact, allergic contact dermatitis may develop. The most important triggers for contact dermatitis include:
- Nickel sulfate – contained in jewelry, belt buckles, eyeglass frames,
- Pants buttons or bra fasteners.
- Chromium salt – contained in many building materials and leather.
- Amalgam – contained in dental fillings.
- Natural substances – as used in cosmetics.
- Rubber
- Glucocorticoids – contained as an active ingredient in medicinal products.
Basal cell carcinoma
Basaliomas are tumors that can develop on the epidermis. Colloquially, the talk is of white or light skin cancer. Metastases almost never develop in this case. However, basal cell carcinoma can grow into other tissue and, for example, affect bone or cartilage. Doctors then speak of semi-malignant tumors. Areas of skin that are particularly exposed to the sun, such as the face, head or neck, are especially at risk. Fair-skinned people who are prone to sunburn have a higher risk of developing basal cell carcinoma. Those who spend a lot of time outdoors should therefore protect themselves well against UV radiation. Basal cell carcinoma requires medical treatment. Which therapy options are open, the aerzteblatt.de explains in detail. Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that occurs primarily on the face. The forehead, cheeks, nose and chin are particularly affected. Around four million Germans are affected by this disease. However, many do not even know that they have rosacea. The signs of inflammation are persistent redness, small nodules, pustules and vesicles, as well as visible veins and swelling. These symptoms can easily be mistaken for an allergic reaction, which explains why many do not know they have the condition. Rosacea is easily confused with acne, how to distinguish the two conditions is explained by derma-forum.com. Fish scale disease or ichthyosis.
Ichthyosis is a genetic disease in which there is a cornification disorder of the skin. It results in increased callus formation, which is accompanied by severe scaling. Mostly the whole body is affected. Colloquially, this disease is also called fish scale disease. There are several forms of the disease, which have one thing in common. A genetic mutation leads to a loss of function of certain proteins that are necessary for a stable skin barrier. Scientists see the increased callus formation as an attempt by the skin to repair the disturbed skin barrier. Perioral dermatitis, also called stewardess disease
Perioral dermatitis is harmless and not contagious.This mainly affects women. The disease is closely related to the excessive use of cosmetics, which is why it is also called stewardess or mannequin disease. Those affected find the disease aesthetically disturbing. It represents a great psychological burden for those affected. The first signs are a reddened skin rash around the mouth and/or eyes. Tiny nodules form that coalesce into larger areas, creating slightly raised patches of skin called plaques. The disease is very treatable, and scars are never left behind.
Examination of the skin
Dry skin can be treated with moisturizers or masks and packs. If it is suspected that it is not simply the skin type dry skin, it is necessary to consult a doctor. He or she will be better able to tell whether the problem is purely cosmetic or whether there is a condition behind it that needs treatment. Without knowing what the exact cause of the skin symptomatology is, it is difficult to start a targeted treatment.
