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What is Dry Skin?
Dry skin results from lack of water in the outer layer of skin cells (stratum corneum). When this layer becomes dehydrated it loses its flexibility and becomes dry, cracked, scaly and sometimes itchy. The stratum corneum contains natural water holding substances, including urea, which retain the water seeping up from the deeper layers of the skin. Water is also normally retained in the stratum corneum by a surface film of sebum, which slows down the evaporation of water from the skin surface.
The skin dries out when too much water evaporates from the surface. This increases with age, and is made worse by excessive washing because hot water and soap can remove the layer of natural oil on the skin surface.
Chronic Dry Skin can be present in some dermatological conditions eczema, ichthyosis and hyperkeratosis
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How to Manage Dry Skin Conditions
Emollients are the standard treatment for all dry and scaly skin conditions. They smooth, soothe and hydrate the skin. Emollients need to be applied frequently to be effective.
Not all emollients are the same. They contain a range of different ingredients, and some dry skin conditions respond better to some emollients than others.
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What to Expect
In the majority of cases, Dry skin conditions can be self-managed with help and support from your local pharmacist providing the following advice is taken up: Avoid excessive bathing, harsh soaps, use gentle non-detergent skin washes. Use emollient washes. Ensure the central heating is not too hot or drying – use humidifiers or place bowls of water near to the radiators.
However, if the skin is weeping or bleeding, the condition seems to be getting worse or there are signs of infection or other underlying diseases such as diabetes please refer to your doctor.
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What is Dry Skin?
Dry skin results from lack of water in the outer layer of skin cells (stratum corneum). When this layer becomes dehydrated it loses its flexibility and becomes dry, cracked, scaly and sometimes itchy. The stratum corneum contains natural water holding substances, including urea, which retain the water seeping up from the deeper layers of the skin. Water is also normally retained in the stratum corneum by a surface film of sebum, which slows down the evaporation of water from the skin surface.
The skin dries out when too much water evaporates from the surface. This increases with age, and is made worse by excessive washing because hot water and soap can remove the layer of natural oil on the skin surface.
Chronic Dry Skin can be present in some dermatological conditions eczema, ichthyosis and hyperkeratosis
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How to Manage Dry Skin Conditions
Emollients are the standard treatment for all dry and scaly skin conditions. They smooth, soothe and hydrate the skin. Emollients need to be applied frequently to be effective.
Not all emollients are the same. They contain a range of different ingredients, and some dry skin conditions respond better to some emollients than others.
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What to Expect
In the majority of cases, Dry skin conditions can be self-managed with help and support from your local pharmacist providing the following advice is taken up: Avoid excessive bathing, harsh soaps, use gentle non-detergent skin washes. Use emollient washes. Ensure the central heating is not too hot or drying – use humidifiers or place bowls of water near to the radiators.
However, if the skin is weeping or bleeding, the condition seems to be getting worse or there are signs of infection or other underlying diseases such as diabetes please refer to your doctor.
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The Galderma.co.uk website is not intended to promote the use of Galderma products or provide information on which to base medical treatment.
Consult a dermatologist or a healthcare practitioner for more information about your condition and the product that is right for you. The Galderma UK website is intended for use by local residents only. |
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Links |
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Ichthyosis Support Group: Ichthyosis Support Group: |
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