ASTEATOSIS

Synonyms.—Asteatodes; Xerosis; Asperitudo epidermidis; Fr., Astéatose; Ger.,
Asteatose.

Asteatosis is the opposite of seborrhea, and is characterized, there­
fore, by a diminution in the amount of sebum secreted by the skin. It
can, however, scarcely be called a disease, idiopathic cases being scarcely,
if at all, known; but it is a condition which is associated with or second­
ary to several cutaneous maladies, such as ichthyosis, prurigo, pityriasis
rubra pilaris, scleroderma, dermatitis exfoliativa, long-continued scaly
eczema, etc. It is also seen in old age, as a part of senile changes in the
skin. It is sometimes observed as a local affection due to the use of
agents which deprive the skin of the fat secretion, as on the hands and
forearms of laundresses, who are obliged to keep these parts more or less
constantly in strong alkaline solutions, or who use strong soaps. In
such instances, while presenting the ordinary dry, harsh, sometimes
slightly desquamating skin which characterizes the affection, the con­
dition is not, in reality, due to a diminution of the sebaceous secretion,
but to its repeated removal. It is more than probable, in those natur­
ally having unpleasantly dry skin, that the dryness is owing to lessening
of the secretion of both sebaceous and sweat-glands.

The treatment depends primarily, when possible, on the removal
or modification of the etiologic factor—either a disease such as men­
tioned or the use of strong alkalis or soaps—and in supplying to the
skin that fat or oil which it needs by the continuous or intermittent
application of some bland oil, such as olive, linseed, or almond oil or liquid
petrolatum; or plain ointments are sometimes more satisfactory, the
most available being petrolatum, cold cream, benzoated lard, with or
without 10 to 20 per cent, of lanolin.

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