Rashes are the most widespread disorder of the skin, the largest organ of the human body. There are various types of rashes, of which dry-skin rashes are one kind. Dry-skin rashes occur more commonly in adults. Dry skin is vulnerable to irritation, redness, itchiness, cracking and infections, especially in cold, dry seasons. Dry-skin rashes may be caused by factors like genetic predisposition, dry weather, stress, illnesses or by the intake of some medicines.
Types of Dry-Skin Rashes
Hereditary dry skin rashes include atopic dermatitis, a form of eczema that worsens in winter when it is cold and dry, and psoriasis.
Pityriasis rosea is a dry-skin rash that occurs mainly in teens and youths. Xerosis is a dry-skin rash that is rampant in winter when the weather is cold and dry, intensifying the skin's dryness. It is also called winter itch or asteatosis.
Causes
Hereditary dry skin rashes don't have a special external cause. They result from distortion of many genes.
The non-contagious atopic aermatitis is aggravated by frequent washing of the skin and by dry winters.
Non-contagious psoriasis is provoked by emotional and physical stress, cold dry weather, sensitive skin, obesity, certain drugs, smoking cigarettes and alcohol consumption.
Pityriasis rosea is induced by intake of some medicines such as captopril, ketotifen, metronidazole and clonidine. BCG or diphtheria vaccine also causes this rash. High stress levels and bathing in hot water can worsen the condition.
Xerosis occurs due to depletion in the natural oils of the skin's outer layers making the skin dehydrated. It is caused by cold dry weather, malnutrition, Vitamin A deficiency, frequent bathing and medical conditions of diabetes, AIDS and liver and kidney ailments. Atopic dermatitis also causes xerosis as it leads to loss of essential fatty acids in the skin, higher transepidermal water-loss and subsequent dryness.
Symptoms
Atopic dermatitis makes the skin dry, inflamed and itchy; scaly patches appear on the body, hands, genitals and around eyelids.
Psoriasis produces scaly skin patches on the elbows, knees and other body areas including the scalp.
Pityriasis rosea causes pink scaly patches that starts on the back, abdomen and chest and later occur on the arms and legs too.
Xerosis manifests as dry skin with scaling, inflammation and itching on the shins, back of the hands, trunk and arms.
Treatment
Atopic dermatitis triggered skin irritation is treated with cortisone-creams. Tap water mixed with Burow's solution is also used to dry oozy atopic dermatitis conditions.
Psoriasis has no cure at present; however some prescription medicines, phototherapy and Dead Sea salt products for skin care can provide relief.
Pityriasis rosea itching is treated with lubricants. An anti-inflammatory can quell skin swelling.
Xerosis is treated by doctors with creams containing urea. Cortisone-creams and creams containing alpha or beta hydroxy acids are also used for xerosis treatment.
Prevention
Keep your skin hydrated by drinking adequate water and applying moisturizers or Vaseline. Take short baths no longer than 10-15 minutes in tepid water to clean the skin without drying it excessively. Use non-soap cleansers as soap's ingredients aggravate skin dryness causing dry-skin rashes. Pat the skin dry with a towel after bathing instead of rubbing. Cigarette smoke, whether active or passive, increases skin dryness and should be avoided.
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