Xeroderma literally means "dry skin". Symptoms most associated with Xeroderma are scaling, which is the visible peeling of the outer skin layer, itching and cracks in the skin. Dry skin happens more often in the winter where the cold air outside and the hot air inside creates a low relative humidity.

Skin consists of loose connective tissue and elastin. Skin is considered one of the most important parts of the body. Skin contains the hair follicles, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, apocrine glands and blood vessels.

The dermis is the layer of skin beneath the epidermis that consists of connective tissue and cushions the body from stress and strain. The epidermis contains no blood vessels, and cells in the deepest layers are nourished by diffusion from blood capillaries extending to the upper layers of the dermis. Epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin.

Nutritional deficiencies, especially deficiencies of vitamin A and the B vitamins, can also contribute to dry skin.

Dermatitis, contact dermatitis, eczema, seborrhea or psoriasis may cause the skin to be dry too. Dry skin could also be a sign of an underactive thyroid. Serious skin complications, including dry skin, can arise for people with diabetes.

Try mild cleansers or mild soaps if you must use a soap or cleanser. Apply cool compresses to itchy areas. Keep baths or showers short using warm, never hot water.

Eat foods that contain essential fatty acids. Put two tablespoons of coconut oil in your all fruit smoothies. Good skin is often a reflection of a good digestive system. Use flaxseed oil or walnut oil in your salad. And concentrating on a diet of LOTS of fruits and vegetables (preferably uncooked) and no junk food, should give you an observable improvement within 30 days.

Use coconut oil to remove your make-up at night, like I do; it leaves a fine layer of oil to nourish your skin all night long. If you also have eczema or acne, coconut oil will treat those skin conditions too. Also use a thin layer of coconut oil under your make-up to moisturize your skin all day. Coconut oil is very inexpensive, therefore, a good, cheap, healthy, alternative home remedy.

Functions of the skin are disturbed when it's dirty; it becomes more easily damaged, the release of antibacterial compounds decreases and dirty skin is more prone to develop infections. The skin is subject to constant attack from without, so can be affected by numerous conditions, diseases and ailments.

Dry skin can be converted into healthy skin using natural home remedies. Usually, these days, we can take care of dry skin without seeing our doctor, but sometimes we can't avoid it. Call your doctor or naturopath when you feel itchy all over without a visible rash. If you're still worried, or the problems persist, see your doctor.