The sebaceous glands are not functioning properly for people infected with this disease. The skin and hair seem to be dry, and indications of scaling of the skin with the tendency to crack. Affected parts react sensitively when exposed to direct sunlight or harsh soaps that remove the natural oils from the skin. The appearance seems cracky or chapped like a crocodile’s skin. Once irritated, would lead to eczema and dehydration of the affected part with symptoms of red rashes on very dry and scaling surfaces. Scratching these affected areas could lead to bacterial infections.

People with dry skin seldom get affected with acne-type diseases where the affected skin layers become thinner. That is why it is important to deal with dry skin at an earlier age.

Atopic eczema is also known as endogenous eczema or atopic dermatitis. This disease is characterized by itchiness and very dry skin with a tendency to worsen and would require the attention of a dermatologist. When affected with eczema, the skin functions abnormally and cannot produce sufficient linoleic acid, important to the skin’s ability to produce ceremid1 that regulates skin moisture and prevents dehydration on the inner layers of the skin or the epidermis.

Here are some useful advices...

• Avoid using substances that causes the skin to dry such as soaps and lotions with alcohol content.
• Take a bath at least once a day using chemicals without alcohol content.
• Apply hydrating creams or moisturizers after bath.
• Avoid places with dry atmosphere. Ideal room temperature is 20 °C or less and air humidity of at least 55%.
• Climate changes affect skin moisture such as places 1,500m above sea level or tropical climate. Use appropriate skin lotions.
• Consult with your dermatologist on use of sunscreen protectors against harmful UV rays - UVA1 or a combination of UVA and UVB. 
• Maintain a well-balanced diet and eat fresh fruits and vegetables.
• For breastfeeding babies with hereditary problems, doctors recommend a period of 36 months after birth before breastfeeding.
• Drink plenty of water and avoid alcoholic drinks.
• Avoid smoking, cigarette smoke and nicotine.
• Use loose and soft clothing with organic materials. Avoid clothes made of materials such as wool, camel’s hair, fur as well as rough and itchy ones. Rather, use natural cotton or silk.

Forms of atopic diseases are atopic eczema, bronchial asthma, hay fever and conjunctivitis. Atopic eczema is usually found on very dry skin areas and characterized by itchiness. The disease can take place even at a young age or even during the first few months of a baby as small papulus on the face and later gradually spread. The infection could affect joints such as inside of elbows, behind the knees, ball of the fingers and most typically the face and neck, and still could even spread to any other parts of the body.

Causes

Causes are obviously genetic disorders of the immune system particularly the T lymphocytes and allergic etiology or hypersensitivity, experts recommend IgE solutions. In most cases, environment plays a big role (such as pollution), climate conditions and changes. Factors within our control are contact with allergens, unhealthy diet and most importantly emotional stress. Symptoms are dry and rough skin with red rashes and worsened by scratching. When the disease gets worse, this may also lead to psychological problems.

Daily care

Treatment is long-term in nature and requires patience and routine medications. It is important that it is explained to the patient and his parents the severity of his disease, its hereditary character and expected symptoms or difficulties in the future. Basic treatment is moisturizing the affected parts with lubricating creams and body milk. With daily use, the skin maintains moisture and the skin's normal barrier protection from dry and cracked skin. Another solution is with the use of emollients such as bath oils and avoiding soaps with harsh ingredients. Skin diseases are often treated with corticosteroids on a short-term period only and after that with creams or ointments without steroid content. To avoid itchiness, take antihistamines. And to maintain normal skin conditions, it is also recommended to take a light therapy or climate therapy by having a vacation near the seas or mountains.