Xerosis and pruritus in the elderly

recognition and management

NORMAN, ROBERT A.

Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Dermatology, Nova Southeastern Medical Center, Tampa, Florida

Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Robert A. Norman, DO, MPH, 7902 W. Waters Ave., Tampa, FL 33615, or email: [email protected].

Dermatologic Therapy 16(3):p 254-259, September 2003.

Xerosis (dry skin) is characterized by pruritic, dry, cracked and fissured skin. Dry skin may be diagnosed as xerosis, eczema craquelé, dyshidrotic eczema, or asteatotic eczema. Two of the most common dermatologic problems found in nursing home residents are xerosis and pruitus. This article focuses on the recognition and treatment of these conditions, and stresses the importance of comprehensive treatment for these conditions as a preventative against stasis dermatitis and ulcer formation.