‘Cracked’ skin / Dry skin

Question 1

Disorders associated with scaling and roughness of the skin include:

Answer 1

atopic dermatitis—all types e.g.

• pityriasis alba
• nummular eczema
• asteatotic dermatitis

ageing skin

psoriasis

ichthyotic disorders

keratosis pilaris

Question 2

Management

Answer 2

Reduce bathing and frequency and duration of showering

Bathe and shower in tepid water

Use a soap substitute (e.g. Dove, Neutrogena or Cetaphil lotion or aqueous cream)

Rub in baby oil after patting dry

Avoid wool next to skin (e.g. wear cotton)

Use emollients (e.g. Alpha Keri lotion, Nutra D cream, QV cream)

Use moisturisers with 10% urea (e.g. Calmurid, Dermadrate, Nutraplus, Aquacare HP)

Use dilute corticosteroid ointment if resistant local patches

Advise a good diet and drink plenty of water