WINTER XEROSIS

Many individuals present with dryness of the skin, particularly on the lower extremities, during wintertime. The hands, forearms, cheeks, lips, and trunk also may be affected. Itching, a dry appearance, chapping, and cracking of the stratum corneum are more or less prominent. The condition is markedly influenced by cold environments, especially in combination with low humidity. Predisposing factors include atopic dermatitis, ichthyosis, and increasing age. Excessive washing exacerbates winter xerosis. Indeed,

irritant dermatitis of the hands worsens in a cold and dry environment. Emollients and improvement in the environmental temperature and humidity are helpful in controlling this condition