Dry skin

Although dry skin is not an illness, it is an unpleasant skin condition that can be very troublesome, particularly when accompanied by itchiness. In addition, dry skin can no longer satisfactorily fulfil its function as a barrier against harmful environmental influences. In extreme cases, chronic eczema illnesses can form.

Clinical patterns

In the following, some skin diseases that frequently accompany dry skin are described.

Atopic eczema

Synonyms: Neurodermatitis, endogenous eczema, atopic dermatitis Atopic eczema is a chronic skin disease that occurs in acute stimuli and intervals with no occurrences. Here too, the skin's barrier function is disturbed. The skin of the atopic eczema sufferer does not produce sufficient lipids and natural moisturising factors so that water evaporation (transepidermal water loss) is intensified: The skin dries out. The main symptom of this chronic skin disease includes considerable itching. Itching leads to scratching. Scratching can result in inflammation. That is why the skin must be regularly supplied with moisture and oils.
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Contact eczema

A heavy burden on the skin, in particular that of the hands, on the job or in the household can lead to drying out and cracks. Substances that cause allergies can easily penetrate into this unprotected skin. With allergic contact eczema, there is an oversensitivity towards one or more substances.

Itchiness is marked in the allergic forms of contact eczema.
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Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an inheritable skin disease that is defined by an extremely reduced new formation of the uppermost skin layer, the horny layer. The rapid formation of new cells and their cornification result in very heavy formation of dry skin. The lack of an intact hydro-lipid system results in dry skin, frequently combined with itchiness. In acute exacerbation, sharply confined, inflamed centres appear.
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