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Philadelphia and Mainline Center of Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery

Written by Dr. Ringpfeil

Dry Skin - Xerosis

It is common for people to experience dry skin during cold weather, in arid climates, and as they age. It is caused by a loss of water from the top layer of the skin, the stratum corneum. Factors such as low humidity and excessive exposure to soaps and detergents can cause water loss by damaging the skin's barrier.

There are several causes of itchy skin, but xerosis is the most common one. During the winter months, dry skin is more common due to windy cold air and indoor heating.

Diagnosis

Dry skin can be diagnosed clinically by looking for fine scales, cracks, or fissures on the skin surface. Sometimes, dryness is just one sign of underlying inflammation, and a biopsy may be necessary to exclude inflammatory dermatoses such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, or a fungal skin infection.

When dry skin does not respond to treatment, additional tests may be necessary to rule out certain diseases, such as hypothyroidism, HIV, and Sjogren's syndrome.

Management

Dry skin can be treated by replenishing its moisture content. If possible, you should bathe in cool water, use a mild soap, and apply moisturizer liberally afterward.

Don't wash your hands excessively. Making modifications to the environment, like keeping the room temperature as low as possible during the winter and using a room humidifier, can also be beneficial.

Prevention

Dry skin problems can be prevented by following gentle bathing habits and applying moisturizer daily. During the winter months, exposed skin should be protected through the use of creams, gloves, and scarves. Moisturizer should be applied to dry hands every time you wash them. You should wear gloves when you use chemicals or wash dishes. Hand sanitizer should be used sparingly.

Coping

In the event that the patient follows the above recommendations but the dry skin persists, a dermatologist may be necessary to determine the cause of the persistent xerosis.

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SKIN

# of surveys: 4187
Last updated: 1/02/2024 11:10 AM

PATIENT RATINGS

Would you recommend us?

definitely
93.1%
probably
6.16%
maybe
0.58%
not likely
0.08%
no
0.02%

Compare our service to other similar practices

excellent
87.9%
very good
10.1%
good
1.8%
poor
0.06%
very poor
0%

Overall doctor performance

excellent
94.2%
very good
4.89%
good
0.80%
poor
0.03%
very poor
0%

The doctor listened to you attentively

excellent
93.9%
very good
4.97%
good
1.05%
poor
0.05%
very poor
0%

The doctor took time to answer your questions

excellent
94.0%
very good
4.66%
good
1.27%
poor
0.02%
very poor
0%

The doctor explained treatment options

excellent
94.3%
very good
4.16%
good
1.25%
poor
0.14%
very poor
0.02%

The doctor explained treatment options

excellent
92.0%
very good
5.69%
good
2.18%
poor
0.11%
very poor
0.0%

Front desk performance

excellent
85.6%
very good
10.2%
good
3.66%
poor
0.31%
very poor
0.08%

Aesthetician performance

excellent
88.6%
very good
7.61%
good
3.39%
poor
0.24%
very poor
0.08%

Office comfort

excellent
90.9%
very good
6.93%
good
2.08%
poor
0.05%
very poor
0.05%

Parking

excellent
66.4%
very good
14.4%
good
15.7%
poor
2.49%
very poor
0.9%

Friendliness of the staff during appointment

excellent
90.9%
very good
7.23%
good
1.85%
poor
0.05%
very poor
0%

What WE DID WELL

(Answers:674)

the fact that the garbage cans in the bathroom opened electronically.

#12012-10-16 11:13:16

I didn't feel rushed when asking questions - the staff took the time to explain answers well.

#22024-05-29

The doctor's thoroughness and professionalism and bedside manner. Also the offioce music was very pleasant.

#32025-04-30

Linda and the medical assistant were wonderful

#42011-09-16 11:42:32

service

#52025-03-05

EVERY ONE WAS REALY NICE

#62025-03-02

The reassurance that my concerns were addressed.

#72010-11-09 11:24:08

The office is really nice. The lobby is really nice and the doctor knows what she is doing..

#82024-07-09

Everything

#92024-12-12

I have been to a number of derm docs....often it seems as though they have you try this or that but never seem to have a clear plan as to how they will treat ALL of the issues at hand. Thank you for taking the time to address each one of my concerns.

#102024-08-22

What can we do better?

(answers:373)

this computer system doesnt show the full anser in some cases. and some required tabs shouldnt be required, like cell phone and work phone.

#12025-04-19

More appointment availability either early or later (before or after the normal 9-5 workday)

#22010-08-23 16:22:28

Not a lot to improve on service is already top notch.

#32010-09-30 11:25:20

Later evening hours and/or weekend hours.

#42011-05-27 15:59:15

Your rain spouts put water into the driveway to the back parking lot. As it gets colder, it will freeze and create a dangerous pathway for clients

#52010-12-13 11:23:03

Cannot think of anyway to improve things, unless you want to serve hot tea and cappachino!

#62011-02-22 11:25:39

I thought that consideration could have been made re: pricing of skin tag removal since I only had one tag removed.

#72024-07-20

Don't change a thing

#82010-12-14 13:17:28

I have nothing to add, everyone was superb, made you feel right at home and insanely knowledgable. I am beyond happy.

#92010-09-28 11:03:56

Everything was excellent.

#102024-10-31

Customer Rating : 4.7

Based on 637 ratings
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