Attention to Skin Dryness!

Dr. Turgay Hasan Bereket, Dermatology Specialist at Eskişehir Fizyomer Terapia Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Medical Center, speaking about skin dryness, emphasized that the condition should not be taken lightly and said, "If symptoms persist, you should consult a physician." Skin dryness, medically known as xerosis, occurs due to insufficient water in the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin, and is a common condition. While this condition affects men and women equally, it is more frequently seen in elderly individuals. Generally, the hands, elbows and lips are the areas most affected by skin dryness. Dermatology Specialist Dr. Turgay Bereket explained the causes of skin dryness commonly encountered in the population: "Skin tends to dry more during winter months when temperature and humidity levels drop. In situations that reduce ambient moisture, such as central heating, wood stoves, underfloor heating and fireplaces, skin dries more quickly. Hot baths and showers, heavily chlorinated pools are causes of dryness. Hard soaps, detergents and chemicals can cause skin dryness by reducing moisture and oils in the skin. Insufficient fluid intake can lead to certain skin conditions. In skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis and contact dermatitis, a person's skin tends to be dry. Skin dryness can also appear as a side effect of medications used," he said.

"Symptoms of skin dryness vary from person to person"

Dr. Turgay Hasan Bereket, Dermatology Specialist at Fizyomer Terapia Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Medical Center, emphasized that skin dryness is usually temporary, but in some people it can become chronic and persist throughout life, and pointed out that symptoms of skin dryness can vary depending on age, general health status, living environment and the causes of the problem. Bereket outlined the prominent symptoms seen in skin dryness as follows: "Particularly the feeling of tightness after bathing, rough appearance of the skin, itching, peeling and flaking of the skin, fine lines and cracks, redness and rash, bleeding deep cracks, marks and discoloration from scratching are symptoms of skin conditions."

"If symptoms persist, you should consult a physician"

Dr. Turgay Hasan Bereket also addressed the issues for which a physician should be consulted: "If despite the person's prolonged efforts the complaint of skin dryness persists, if there is redness along with dryness, if the itching caused by dryness is severe, if open wounds develop, if scratches and cracks become infected, if peeling and flaking occur over large areas, a physician should be consulted," he said. Offering recommendations about commonly encountered situations in skin dryness, Dermatology Specialist Bereket emphasized that intense and prolonged itching should be avoided. Explaining what should be done during and after showering, Dr. Turgay Hasan Bereket made the following statements: "Bathing should be done with lukewarm water, should last at most 10 minutes and should not exceed twice a week unless necessary. In baths, instead of soap, products defined as "syndet" that are non-harsh and do not damage the skin's oil layer should be preferred. Pumice stones and washcloths should not be used; cleansing products should be applied to the body by hand. After bathing, the skin should be dried with a soft towel without excessive irritation and moisturizing creams or emulsions should be applied within the first 3 minutes. Substances such as cologne and alcohol, as well as anti-itch gels and powders, should not be used as they dry the skin. For individuals with dry skin prone to itching, care should be taken to ensure that clothing in contact with their body is cotton. Additionally, it should not be forgotten that high heat and low humidity environments can cause itching."   Source