Which combination best describes factors that worsen xerosis?

Which combination best describes factors that worsen xerosis?

• A. Dry environment.
• B. Frequent handwashing and inadequate hydration in a dry environment.
• C. High humidity.
• D. No dryness factors.

Answer: (B)

Worsening xerosis happens when the skin barrier is repeatedly stripped of lipids and cannot regain moisture, especially in environments with little humidity and when cleansing practices remove protective oils. Frequent handwashing with soap disrupts the stratum corneum and increases transepidermal water loss, so the skin loses moisture more quickly. If hydration inside the body is also inadequate, the skin’s water content stays low. In a dry environment, ambient humidity is low, which further drives water loss from the skin. Put together, these factors create the driest, most irritated skin with fissures typical of xerosis. In contrast, high humidity would help prevent dryness, and lacking dryness factors would not worsen xerosis.

Worsening xerosis happens when the skin barrier is repeatedly stripped of lipids and cannot regain moisture, especially in environments with little humidity and when cleansing practices remove protective oils. Frequent handwashing with soap disrupts the stratum corneum and increases transepidermal water loss, so the skin loses moisture more quickly. If hydration inside the body is also inadequate, the skin’s water content stays low. In a dry environment, ambient humidity is low, which further drives water loss from the skin. Put together, these factors create the driest, most irritated skin with fissures typical of xerosis. In contrast, high humidity would help prevent dryness, and lacking dryness factors would not worsen xerosis.