Great Skin Doesn't Happen by Chance.

Understanding Dry Skin
Dry skin is characterized by a deficiency in moisture, making it feel coarse to touch. In more severe conditions, known as xerosis, the skin can become intensely dry, leading to flakiness, scaliness, and even cracking and bleeding.

Root Causes of Dry Skin
The skin, our body's most expansive organ, acts as the initial physiological barrier against external factors. The stratum corneum (SC) of the epidermis predominantly upholds this barrier function. Two pivotal elements maintain the SC's humidity: intercellular lipids and natural moisturizing factors. Any impairment to the skin barrier results in excessive water loss, culminating in dry skin. Factors contributing to dry skin include:

• Congenital conditions like ichthyosis.
• Low humidity environments, especially during winters.
• Exposure to heaters, fires, and air conditioners.
• Prolonged bathing or showering in hot water.
• Use of harsh soaps and detergents.
• Metabolic factors, notably thyroid deficiency.
• Illnesses such as lymphoma, HIV infection, and sarcoidosis.
• Certain medications, including nicotinic acid and protein kinase inhibitors

Dermatological Conditions and Dry Skin
Several dermatological disorders manifest dry skin as a primary symptom:

• Atopic Dermatitis (AD): Atopic dermatitis, commonly known as atopic eczema, predominantly affects children. While its exact cause remains unknown, those with allergies or asthma are at a heightened risk. This condition often presents with dry skin itch, especially in diseases like AD and psoriasis. Such itching is triggered by pruritogens, leading to scratching and worsening of the dermatitis, known as the “itch-scratch cycle.
• Contact Dermatitis: It can be allergic or irritant. While the former arises from direct exposure to allergenic substances, the latter occurs when the skin's protective layer gets damaged.
• Xerosis in the Elderly: Xerosis is a common dry skin condition, affecting over 50% of those aged 65 and above. In the elderly, it's linked to various skin changes: compromised skin barrier function, pH shifts, altered SC proteases, decreased sebaceous and sweat gland activity, and reduced oestrogen levels. These changes can induce itching.
• Psoriasis: Characterized by an accelerated life cycle of skin cells, it results in scales and red patches. The condition, although chronic, is manageable
• Ichthyosis: An inherited disorder where the skin doesn’t shed dead cells, leading to a thick scaly surface resembling fish scales.

Medical Conditions Associated with Dry Skin
In dermatological clinics, it's evident that several medical conditions exacerbate dry skin and the accompanying itching:

• Cancer: Cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation, and others, often result in skin side effects such as dry skin. While the focus in healthcare is usually on tumor response or severe side effects, skin problems from cancer therapy can significantly impact patients' quality of life. A study in Seoul showed that hair loss was the top skin concern for cancer patients, followed by dry skin and nail changes. Across all cancer types, these issues persisted. However, except for hair loss, skin issues were linked to higher Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores, emphasizing the profound impact of skin-related side effects on the well- being of cancer patients
• Renal Diseases: Chronic renal failure often manifests as skin dryness, affecting a significant percentage of patients on dialysis
• Diabetes: Elevated blood glucose can cause rapid fluid loss, leading to skin dryness. Neuropathy, stemming from prolonged uncontrolled diabetes, further compounds skin dryness.

The Predominance of Itch in Dry Skin Conditions
Chronic itching, often seen in dry skin conditions like Xerosis and AD, not only causes physical discomfort but also significantly impacts patients' mental well- being, leading to sleep disturbances and increased anxiety. These skin issues can erode self-esteem. However, modern skincare offers solutions like emollients, such as Medsons Aqua Dermal Basic Aqueous Cream, which moisturise and gently cleanse, helping preserve skin health.

The Essence of Emollients:
Emollients, at their core, are essential for those who grapple with dry or compromised skin. They work by filling the spaces between skin cells with fats (lipids), thereby creating a smooth skin surface. This mechanism not only aids in retaining moisture but also reduces evaporation, ensuring the skin remains hydrated longer. Emollients like the Medsons Aqua Dermal Basic Aqueous Cream are prime examples. It is not just an emollient but also serves a dual purpose as a soap substitute. This ensures cleansing without compromising on the skin's natural protective layer.