Also called xerosis Dry, ashy skin. People who had atopic
dermatitis as children often have very dry skin as adults. Dry
skin is common. It can occur at any age and for many reasons.
Using a moisturizer often helps repair dry skin. Sometimes
people need a dermatologist's help to get relief from dry skin.
Extremely dry skin can be a warning sign of a skin problem
called dermatitis (derm-muh-TIE-tis). Dermatitis means
inflammation of the skin. It can cause an itchy rash or patches
of dry irritated skin. The earlier dermatitis is diagnosed and
treated the better. Without treatment, dermatitis often gets
worse. Your doctor may call dry skin xerosis (ze-ROW-sis). Learn
more about dry skin Image used with permission of the American
Academy of Dermatology National Library of Dermatologic Teaching
Slides.