About 10 per cent of the population inherit this property but only about half of them show clinical symptoms. The overt condition is seen in about 80 per cent in the first year of life and 90 per cent by the age of five. This reaction results in an initial itch, followed by local oedema, inflammation and even vesicle formation. Normal epidermis contains about 10-20 per cent of water. In dry skin, this drops to below 10 per cent, causing the epidermis to lose its normal flexibility, consequently there is roughness, the development of fissures and inflammation.
Age plays a part in the development of dry skin.
The epidermis often becomes thinner, which results in roughness. Hygroscopic substances in the skin are reduced and decreased hormonal activity results in reduced sebum levels. Patient presentation Skin conditions are visible and when they occur on certain sites can be embarrassing for the patient. Typically, they present as dry flaky skin which may be inflamed and itchy. Acute, more serious, reaction produces cracks, weeping and sometimes thickened skin.