ASTEATOSIS

ASTEATOSIS (from the Greek a - negative particle, and stear- fat), or xerosis, decreased sebum secretion, a pathological phenomenon characterized by an absolute or relative deficiency of skin sebum and observed in various dermatoses, pruritus, ichthyosis, pigmentary xeroderma, myxedema, etc. Constant contact with caustic alkalis or soaps leads to dryness, hardness, and thickening of the skin, with loss of elasticity and formation of cracks (laundresses). Sometimes itching, white dermographism (Nikolsky), and decreased sweat secretion (anidrosis) are observed. Asteatosis depends either on disorders of the activity of secretory centers, or on trophic changes in the nervous system. In exceptional cases (defectus ectodermalis cutis), A. depends on the congenital absence or underdevelopment of the sebaceous glands and hair. Treatment is etiological and consists in stimulating the activity of the glands (heat, massage, electrization, carbon dioxide baths). Symptomatic treatment includes the local application of fats.