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Dry Skin Rash: Its Causes And 9 Tips To Soothe It Very Fast

by Gorgeousgirl Staff, Updated January 11, 2023
Dry Skin Rash: Its Causes And 9 Tips To Soothe It Very Fast

Suffering from dry skin rash? Probably, the weather and season of the year could be causing it. It could also be a sign of many other diseases or conditions. But don’t worry, there are tons of ways to relieve and soothe skin that’s dry and itchy.

Find out some helpful tips and remedies plus more information about your condition in the sections that follow!
 

  • What Is Dry Skin Rash?

 
what is dry skin rash

 

Abnormally dry skin or xerosis is a condition marked by the lack of proper moisture or water in the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin.

Dry skin tends to occur in equal likelihood for men and women. The most obvious symptoms are tightness and discomfort from dry itchy skin. The condition could either be entirely unnoticeable, or the skin may appear powder-like.

Dry skin is more common in older people, individuals with hypothyroidism, and those who have had eczema. The skin of elderly people tends to get dry due to reduced amounts of lubricants and natural oils in their skin, especially in the lower legs, hands, and arms.

Dry skin may range from temporary and mild, to long-term and severe. This skin problem can last from a few days to weeks or months.

The severity of dry skin is also affected by weather, temperature, and air humidity. For example, it worsens during the winter when the air is cold and dry.

When left untreated, xerosis can cause skin breakdown and irritation, resulting in a red rash known as xeroderma (short for xerosic dermatitis).

Rashes on skin can be described as clusters of small to large bumps that may be due to contact with the environment or chemicals. Xeroderma accompanied by other symptoms like chills could either be due to allergic reactions or may be a symptom of disease.

A skin rash may also be swollen or inflamed. Bumps and sores on the skin, scaly appearance, redness, burning, and itching can also accompany skin rashes.

Related : WHAT IS XEROSIS CUTIS OR ABNORMALLY DRY SKIN? KNOW ALL ABOUT IT
 

 

causes of dry skin

 

Our skin’s epidermis has its protein and fat or lipid components. Lipids help prevent dehydration of the skin by enhancing its moisture retention ability. Once the skin is stripped of oils and fats, it is no longer protected and is more prone to dryness.

Dry skin can be caused by:

  • Skin contact with harsh soaps and chemicals
  • Sanitizing and washing your hands too often
  • Side effect of drugs and medications

Itchy skin rash associated with dry skin, on the other hand, may be due to:

  • Enhanced skin sensitivity due to severe dryness
  • Skin irritation from skin careproducts or perfumes
  • Allergic reactions to certain foods, medications, or strong substances such as those used in chemotherapy
  • Viral or bacterial infection
  • Other diseases or medical conditions like
  • Shingles or chickenpox (rashes with blisters)
  • HIV/ AIDS
  • Rubella or German measles (red itchy rash that occurs with fever, swollen glands, runny nose, headache, and sore throat)
  • Urticaria or hives
  • Psoriasis
  • Prickly heat or heat rashes common in children and babies
  • Intertrigo (rashes along body folds such as the underarms or inner thighs)
  • Rosacea
  • Dermatitis or eczema
  • Contact dermatitis (due to irritation or allergies)
  • Impetigo, a bacterial rash

Related:- DIET FOR DRY SKIN: HOW THE RIGHT FOOD CAN STRENGTHEN YOUR DRY SKIN
 

  • Tips To Soothe Your Dry Skin Rash Fast

 
treat dry skin rash

 

Although more serious problems require special treatments, here are ways you can relieve or soothe skin itching and irritation due to dryness:

1. Use non-latex rubber gloves when cleaning or handling harsh soaps, chemicals, detergents, and other skin irritants.

2. Immediately after stepping out of the swimming pool, take a shower using mild soap and rinse thoroughly. Chlorine is another skin irritant that dries out and damages your skin. So, use chemical-free water to wash it off, then moisturize.

3. Load up on ground flaxseeds and fish oils that are rich in essential fatty acids which help protect your skin and keep it moisturized.

4. Apply petroleum jelly on burning, itching, redness, and stinging skin to soothe dry skin. The American Academy of Dermatology actually recommends this because petroleum jelly is gentle, safe, and cheap! So you can apply it liberally to any dry skin area.

5. Take an oatmeal bath to relieve dry, rough, and itchy skin. Oats have avenanthramide that helps fight itching, redness, and inflammation. First, grind the oatmeal in a blender or food processor, then sprinkle this in your bath water. Dip in this bath for 15 minutes or longer.

6. Regularly wash your beddings in hot water (at least 130 ?) and vacuum carpets and floors. One study from the Journal of Investigative Dermatology revealed that exposure to dust mites is a common household irritant causing skin irritation and inflammation.

7. Use hydrating hand sanitizers instead of alcohol-based ones for easy and quick hand cleaning. Alcohol tends to dry the skin, so dermatologists recommend using hydrating versions to keep your hands soft and clean while also protecting you from illnesses.

8. Avoid prolonged exposure to extremely hot and dry weather conditions. This is the main cause of heat rash and also the leading cause of premature aging. If you really have to, apply sunscreen that is dermatologist-approved and has moisturizers.

9. Avoid situations or food that may have caused your rashes. This is a sign of allergic reactions. To reduce symptoms, apply topical treatments on the affected area or take acetaminophen and antihistamines.
 

  • Proper Diagnosis And Treatment

 
dry skin diagnosis

 

When dry skin and rashes are accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, weakness in the limbs, sores that never heal, dizziness, or chills, it’s time to seek medical help and attention. Chances are, your rash could be due to a more serious disease rather than just dry skin.

Skin rashes with itching and chills may not be serious and can even subside left alone. However, consulting your doctor to seek medical advice is still a good idea especially when symptoms are persisting or recurring.

If simple remedies like ointments, pain relievers or itch-relieving medications fail to work, your doctor could test you for other underlying conditions.

Because skin rash can be due to a wide range of causes, proper diagnosis requires medical help. Aside from those mentioned, light therapy, antibiotics, and other medications may be prescribed by your doctor in case your rash is due to a more serious disease or condition.

The key to proper treatment of skin rashes is early and accurate diagnosis. Once the underlying cause is pinpointed, almost all kinds of skin rash can be treated and prevented.

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By Gorgeousgirl Staff

At GorgeousGirl, our staff is a collection of highly skilled cosmetologists, estheticians, and higher education professionals. Our personnel works together to satisfy your fancies.