Xerosis: structure of rough skin.
Synopsis Xerosis is a structural alteration of the statum corneum in which fine changes may be observed by scanning electron microscopy. Xerosis induced by photochemotherapy appears different from that resulting from ageing. Skin surface biopsies, stained with eosin and observed by optical microscopy, represent an easy and non-invasive method by which the stage of development of xerosis may be further established. By these two methods, the usefulness of moisturing preparations has been appreciated. Modifications induced by some cosmetic preparations predominate on the deep portion of the stratum corneum. This could mean that the tested preparations only act indirectly on inert structures of the epidermis.
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Service de Dermatologie, CHU de Bavière, Blvd. de la Constitution 66, B-4020 Liege, Belgium.
Pierard
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