Health Care Advisor

Dry skin rash is usually not serious, but it can become very uncomfortable and keep you functioning like you normally would. In some cases, the dry skin rash becomes painful and very irritated. That is why you should never self-medicate. Always consult your doctor when you or someone you know develops dry skin rash. Only a dermatologist can prescribe the right creams or pills for your condition.

What causes dry skin rash?

Dry skin rash is very common during the winter, when your skin is exposed to dry and cold air. Skin loses its moisture, causing its surface to crack. If you live in a windy city or an area with low humidity, you may also become more prone to skin rashes. The same is true for people who are in air conditioned quarters all the time (such as offices).

You may also have inherited your dry skin rash – especially if anyone in your family has a history of ichthyosis (characterized by fish scale skin). If you have a metabolic condition (especially under active thyroid glands), you may be more prone to dry skin rash. Some people who undergo excessive and rapid weight loss programs sometimes suffer the same skin condition.

Experts also conclude that predisposition to dry skin rash increases as you age, because your skin is not anymore able to produce the required natural lubrication needed to prevent dryness.

Do you bathe too often? Then you may also be inviting dry skin rash. Exerts agree that showering or bathing too often using soap strips the skin of moisture. You may also be inviting dry skin rash if you swim a lot in strongly chlorinated water (hot or cold – it does not matter). Some detergents also cause dry skin rash.

Treatment of dry skin rash

In order to manage and prevent rashes, you first need to identify the factor (or factors) that trigger it. Refer to the list above to see which one causes your skin to crack and redden. If we did not mention the cause, ask your doctor.

Try to take showers instead of long baths. Showering exposes you to less water and less chemicals, possibly preventing your skin from drying up. Try replacing your soap (which might be causing dryness) with moisturizing formulas or bath oils.

If you often do laundry and get exposed to harsh detergents, switch to milder (synthetic) cleansers. Ask your dermatologist if he or she can recommend any.

Try to apply moisturizers and emollients whenever you can, liberally. This is best done after you shower, or whenever your skin feels dry and itchy.

If your eczema patches are serious, go to your doctor. He or she will probably prescribe topical steroids – you may be asked to take it for about five to 15 days, depending on your skin’s condition.

Skin rash is a condition characterized by red, itchy bumps on a patch of skin. It is usually a symptoms of other conditions, such as allergies and chickenpox, and not a condition by itself. It can occur anywhere on the body and accompany other symptoms. Skin rash occurs in three general patterns: scaly patches caused by infection, scaly patches not caused by infection, and a large rash throughout the body. These patterns help indicate the underlying cause of the skin rash.

Infection-related

Fungal infections: Fungal infections are mistakenly associated with bad hygiene and contact with animals, but they occur just as often in clean, animal-free environments. The most common causes are diabetes, diseases affecting the immune system (such as HIV), and oral steroids and antibiotics. They can be treated with over-the-counter drugs such as clotrimazole 1% and terbinafine 1%.

Bacterial infections: The most common type of bacterial infection is impetigo, which is caused by strep germs. They can be contracted from anywhere and are also unrelated to poor hygiene. Treatments may include prescription or OTC antibacterial creams and oral antibiotics.

Non-infection related

This type is most often associated with eczema, although psoriasis is also a common cause. There are two types of eczema that may cause this type of skin rash:

Atopic dermatitis: This is usually hereditary and is marked by scaly spots on the arms, legs, scalp, and torso. The patches may spread to the knees and elbows in late childhood, and to the hands, eyelids, and genitals in adulthood. The spots may also weep or crust over, but they are not contagious.

Contact dermatitis: This refers to a skin rash caused by negative (not necessarily allergic) reaction to a specific material. The rash only appears where the material made contact with the skin. Common materials include poison ivy, some perfumes, and jewelry containing nickel. Topical over-the-counter steroids are usually effective in relieving the rash.

Overall skin rash

When the skin rash occurs throughout the body, the cause is usually allergic or viral.

Viral: Viral rashes include herpes (cold sores and genital herpes) and shingles. They may be accompanied by viral symptoms such as nausea, coughing, sneezing, and stomach upset. They usually subside within a week, but symptoms may be relieved by topical creams and antiviral drugs.

Allergic: Allergic skin rash is often caused by drug reactions and occur within two weeks of taking the drug. In most cases, the only treatment required is to stop taking the drug.

A rash is a skin condition marked by a change in the color, texture, or appearance of the skin. It is usually caused by some other condition and seldom occurs on its own. Accompanying symptoms may include itching, scaling, and blistering. In severe cases, symptoms can also include fever, nausea, and stomach upset.

Causes

Common causes of skin rash include the following:

Contact dermatitis: This is caused by direct contact with an irritant, such as dyes, chemicals, jewelry, and poison ivy. The rash may crust, weep, or scale, but it is not contagious.

Seborrheic dermatitis: Dandruff and cradle cap are forms of seborrheic dermatitis, but the term only applies when it occues elsewhere on the body. It usually occurs around the mouth, eye area, nose, trunk, and the back of the ears.

Atopic dermatitis: Also called eczema, this usually causes a red, scaly, and itchy rash in several parts of the body. It is more common in people with asthma or other allergic conditions.

Psoriasis: This is characterized by a scaly, itchy rash around the joints, scalp, and fingernails. It is more common in adults and elderly people.

Impetigo: Usually affecting children, impetigo is caused by bacterial infection on the epidermis or top layer of the skin. The rashes quickly turn into red sores, which then become blisters that ooze and crust over.

Shingles: This condition comes from the same virus that causes chicken pox. The rash usually appears as painful blisters.

Treatments

Treatments for skin rash vary widely depending on the cause and severity of the condition. However, the rash itself can be treated with topical creams, such as hydrocortisone (1%). This is usually available over the counter and requires no prescription.

Psoriasis may require prescription-strength creams and more aggressive treatment. A common method is ultraviolet therapy, although this is expensive and may cause adverse reactions. Consult your doctor to see if UV treatment can work for you.

For seborrheic dermatitis, anti-dandruff shampoo can be applied on the affected area and rinsed off every 10 minutes. Contact dermatitis can be relieved with medicated calamine lotion. Oral antibiotics and antibacterial creams usually work for impetigo and other skin infections.

To relieve irritation and keep the rash from worsening, avoid scrubbing and washing with regular bath soaps. Use hypoallergenic soaps and lotions, and wash with warm water. Do not apply any cosmetic products directly on the rash. Leave some space between the rash and anything you apply on your skin.