You have probably had dry skin before. In fact, most people do face some dry skin problems at some point in their lives. Is it something to worry about? Should you seek out a doctor’s help? Those questions must be answered on an individual basis, but what you should be familiar with is the medical science behind dry skin. There are several qualifications to consider, here.

The correct medical term for dry skin is Xeroderma, which comes from the Greek xeros meaning ‘dry’ and derma meaning ’skin’. The condition affects what is formally known as the integumentary system, a human’s largest and heaviest organ.

To the layman, skin is normally not regarded as an organ, such as the heart or pancreas, however, medically speaking it is. The formal definition of an organ is:

“A natural part or structure in an animal or a plant, capable of performing some special action (termed its function), which is essential to the life or well-being of the whole.”

The integumentary system is the external covering of the body, in humans comprising of the skin, hair, nails, sweat glands and their products (sweat and mucus). The integumentary system has a variety of functions; in animals, it may serve to waterproof, cushion and protect the deeper tissues, excrete wastes, regulate temperature and is the location of sensory receptors for pain, pressure and temperature. The name derives from the Latin integumentum, which means ‘a covering’.

In most cases, this condition occurs because your body has lost important natural oils and moisture from its cell walls, which causes your skin to become abnormally dry. Since the skin is composed of several layers, the individual’s reaction to this may be different depending on the extent of the condition.

For most patients, the only necessary treatment for dry skin is to take better care of it and to use moisturizers and emollients on the skin. These items will replenish the lost moisture and oils in the skin, allowing your body to recover because it now has what it needs to remain healthy. For more serious conditions where the skin is damaged through being too dry, there are prescription ointments and moisturizers that can be administered to correct the situation.

Xeroderma happens throughout the body, but there are some areas where it occurs much more frequently. The most common areas affected are the hands, face and/or neck area. Dry skin is also often found on the lower legs, arms, thighs and the side of the torso near the abdomen.

If you are suffering from Xeroderma or dry skin your symptoms can vary in severity. Usually, you will experience scaling which is actually the loss of the first layer of the outer skin on your body. This is commonly a clearly visible sign. Other indications include itching and even in extreme cases, cracks appearing in the skin. This is often the case for those that suffer from dry skin on their feet.