Dry Skin (Xeroderma): Or something else? Differential Diagnosis

Blood, hematopoietic organs – immune system (D50-D90).

Endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases (E00-E90).

  • Andropause (male menopause)
  • Dehydration (lack of fluid)
  • Hypernatremia (excess sodium)
  • Hypothyroidism (hypothyroidism) or latent hypothyroidism.
  • Malnutrition
  • Menopause (menopause of the woman; climacteric)
  • Somatopause – decline in STH secretion (somatotropic hormone (STH), English “human growth hormone”: growth hormone) with consecutive STH deficiency in middle-aged and advanced adults.
  • Underweight

Skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L99)

  • Atopic eczema (neurodermatitis)

Genitourinary system (kidneys, urinary tract – reproductive organs) (N00-N99).

  • Amenorrhea
    • Primary amenorrhea: absence of menarche (first menstrual period).
    • Secondary amenorrhea: no menstrual bleeding for > 90 days with an already established cycle.

Injury, poisoning, and certain other sequelae of external causes (S00-T98).

  • Sick-building syndrome (SBS) – clinical picture from the field of occupational and environmental medicine; occurs as a reaction to pollution of enclosed spaces, but may also be due to psychological factors.

Medication

  • See under “Causes”

Environmental pollution – intoxications (poisonings).

  • Irritants (chemicals, solvents)
  • Air conditioning (dry air)
  • Overheated rooms
  • Dry room climate
  • Sun (frequent sunbathing)
  • Winter (cold) – cold-dry climates; dry heating air (→ reduction of sebaceous gland secretion).

Further

  • Cleaning agents containing alcohol
  • Skin aging