Dry Skin

Please click on the link below to access the most up-to-date version of this guideline. The content on this page is currently being updated to align with the latest publication. Always check the version number at the bottom of the screen to confirm which version you are using.

Click here to access the Primary-Healthcare-Chapter-5-Skin-Conditions-with-Supporting-NEMLC-Report-2020-4-Review-Version-2.0-November-2025

---

Description

General Measures

Medical Treatment

---

ICD 10 code: L85.3

DESCRIPTION

• The skin is dry and rough, together with varying degrees of scaling.
• Severe forms are mainly inherited, e.g. ichthyosis.
• Milder forms (xeroderma), seen as dryness with only slight scaling are common in the elderly and some chronic conditions, e.g. HIV disease, malignancies and atopic eczema.

GENERAL MEASURES

• Avoid the use of soap.

MEDICINE TREATMENT

• Soap substitutes e.g.:
  • Aqueous cream (UEA)
    - Rub on skin, before rinsing off completely.
    - Aqueous cream should not be used as an emollient.
• Emollient, e.g.:
  • Emulsifying ointment (UE)

Click here to access the pdf.

---

Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Primary Healthcare, 2020-2024_Version 1.0_07 November 2024

Chapter 5: Skin Conditions_5.1 Dry Skin