Dryness (medical)
Dryness (medical)
Dryness (IPA: /ˈdraɪnɪs/) is a common medical condition characterized by a lack of moisture in certain parts of the body. It can affect various body parts such as the skin, eyes, mouth, and mucous membranes.
Etymology
The term "dryness" originates from the Old English "dryge", meaning "free from water or moisture", and the suffix "-ness", which denotes a state or condition.
Causes
Dryness can be caused by a variety of factors, including dehydration, environmental conditions (such as dry air or wind), certain medications, and underlying medical conditions such as Sjögren's syndrome or diabetes.
Symptoms
Symptoms of dryness can vary depending on the area of the body affected. Common symptoms include a feeling of dryness or itchiness, redness, irritation, and sometimes pain. In severe cases, dryness can lead to cracking or bleeding of the skin or mucous membranes.
Treatment
Treatment for dryness typically involves addressing the underlying cause and providing symptomatic relief. This may include increasing fluid intake, using humidifiers to add moisture to the air, applying moisturizers or lubricants, and in some cases, taking medication to stimulate moisture production.
Related Terms
- Dehydration
- Xerostomia (dry mouth)
- Xerophthalmia (dry eyes)
- Xerosis (dry skin)
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Dryness (medical)
- Wikipedia's article - Dryness (medical)
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