The W.O. Frohring Family Resource Center

Part of Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, this center has a resource library with information on parenting, breastfeeding, sibling relationships and much more. Materials may be borrowed for a limited time within the hospital, and copying services are available.

Patients who have recently given birth at MacDonald Women’s Hospital find the library to be an excellent source on topics relating to newborns and their parents. The Frohring Family Resource Center supports a caring and effective partnership between families and their healthcare team by providing general assistance on baby care and health-related issues. You can learn more about the Center on the Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital website. Community residents are also welcome to visit or call the center for information.

Health Encyclopedia

Xerosis

Xerosis - close-up
Xerosis - close-up

Definition

  

Xerosis is an abnormal dryness of the skin or mucus membranes.


Alternative Names

  

Asteatotic eczema; Eczema craquele


Causes, incidence, and risk factors

  

Dry skin usually gets worse during the winter.

Older people are usually affected more by this condition.


Symptoms

  

The skin is dry, scaly, itchy, and red. Fine cracks may appear on the skin.

The arms and legs are usually affected most.


Signs and tests

  


Treatment

  

Treatments include:

  • Moisturizers, especially those that contain urea and lactic acid
  • Topical steroids -- for areas that get very inflamed and itchy

Support Groups

  


Expectations (prognosis)

  


Complications

  


Calling your health care provider

  


Prevention

  
  • Avoid excess exposure to water
  • Keep the bath water relatively cool
  • Use gentle skin cleansers that do not contain dyes and fragrances

 
Review Date: 10/11/2008
Reviewd By: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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