Dry Skin Written

 by: Muhammad Nasir Sirat

According to the information provided by Maiwand Teaching Hospital, Kabul city about 50 persons who suffer from dry skin, refer for treatment to the mentioned hospital daily.

AEPO’s writer/producer has talked to some people and a dermatologist about this disease.

Sara, a resident of Maidan-Wardak province says, “My son and I have dry skins. My son is suffering from itching and could not go to sleep at night. I am suffering from dry skin on my face. It is burning and itching and getting red and sometimes blood comes from it.”

Gulbat, a resident of Sarobi district, Kabul province says, “I have dry skin and I suffer more from it in cold weather.”

Oria Tarin, a dermatologist at Maiwand Teaching Hospital talks about this disease, “Dry skin is usually harmless but when it's not cared for, it might lead to atopic dermatitis (eczema). If you're prone to develop this condition, excessive dryness could lead to activation of the disease, causing redness, cracking and inflammation and if not treated, it might cause some serious problems including skin cancers.”

What do people think about the causes of dry skin?

Mariam says, “We had gone to a feast and when we came back home, my son faced dry skin disease, and I think this disease transferred someone else in the feast to him.”

Suliman, a resident of Baghlan province has left a message on facebook, “My brother is suffering from dry skin on his joints of feet and hands and the cause of his dry skin is working in a smoky area at the cement factory.”

Doctor Oria Tarin says, “People might experience dry skin as the result of many factors, including changes in temperature or humidity, using soaps with harsh chemicals, and skin conditions, such as eczema. Some diseases like diabetes, failure of kidneys which causes to reduce the water of the body; using poor cosmetics; smoke, direct sunrays, dust and working in factories that have polluted atmosphere also could cause dry skin.”

How do people treat dry skin at home?

Ghulam Rasool, a resident of Jalalabad city, Nangarhar province says, “My daughter was experiencing dry skin on her face and she was suffering from inflammation and itching. We used Vaseline and moisturizing cream and then we took her to the hospital for essential treatment.”

Nooria says, “I am suffering from dry skin on my face. I wash it with lukewarm water at night and then I use olive oil and when I go out, I use a moisturizing cream and now it is better.”

Doctor Oria Tarin says, “When someone washes his/her skin at home, he/she should use a moisturizing cream on wet skin. Using masks; the mixture of olive and almond oil and pure honey is useful for dry skin. If these remedies do not effect, the patients should visit a dermatologist for essential treatment.”