Dry Skin (Xeroderma): Prevention

To prevent xeroderma (dry skin), attention must be paid to reducing individual risk factors.

Behavioral risk factors

  • Diet
    • Malnutrition
    • Malnutrition
    • Fluid deficiency
  • Consumption of stimulants
    • Alcohol (woman: > 20 g/day; man > 30 g/day).
    • Tobacco (smoking)
  • Washing behavior – excessive use of:
    • Soaps or shower products
    • Bath additives
    • Brushing or rubbing the skin (→ in older people, this washes off the already thinner sebaceous film of the skin – the skin loses even more moisture)
  • Use of alcohol-containing cleansing agents

Environmental pollution – intoxications (poisonings).

  • Irritants (chemicals, solvents)
  • Air conditioning (dry air)
  • Overheated rooms (maximum 21 ° C)
  • Dry room climate → use air humidifiers
  • Sun (frequent sunbathing) → sunscreen!
  • Winter – cold-dry climates; dry heating air (→ reduction of sebaceous gland secretion); in addition, the following recommendations:
    • Air space humidifier
    • Wear gloves from < 10 °C outdoor temperature