Acute Skin Conditions & Treatments In Boardman, OH

What Is Dry Skin?

Dry skin, also called xerosis, occurs for many reasons and affects people of all ages. It can also take different forms:

Cracking skin which may bleed;
Flaking, rough, and/or scaly patches of skin; and

Burning or itching sensation in the inflamed area.

If the dry skin is severe enough to crack, the patient may develop a skin infection, signaled by red and sore spots in the affected area. Your Boardman dermatologist with Advanced Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center can diagnose dry skin and/or dermatitis and create a custom treatment plan that relieves the symptoms.

Causes of Dry Skin

Underlying medical conditions and contact with chemicals can cause dry skin reactions at any age, but there are certain factors that increase the risk of developing dry skin, including:

Age: The pores of your skin naturally decrease oil production with aging.
Environment: Dry skin is more prevalent when humidity levels are lower, such as during the fall and winter. Homes with dehumidifiers can also exacerbate dry skin.

Bathing Habits: Bathing or washing frequently and/or with hot water.
Medical History: Patients with family or personal history of dry skin have a higher risk of developing the condition.

What To Do For Dry Skin

If you develop dry skin, there are several at-home skin treatments in Boardman you can use to alleviate and manage the symptoms.

Bathe Once A Day

Bathing more than once a day can diminish the amount of moisturizing oil in your skin. Limit baths or showers to 5–10 minutes with lukewarm water.

Use Moisturizing Or Soap-Free Cleansers

Many soaps and cleansers are made with chemicals and perfumes that can exacerbate dry skin. Look for soaps that add or maintain skin moisture or soap-free cleansers without alcohol products in the ingredients.

Use A Humidifier

Using a humidifier set at 55 percent to 60 percent in the home or office is a good way to restore moisture in the top layer of skin.

Avoid Rubbing Or Scratching Dry Skin

Rubbing and/or scratching the skin will amplify the burning and itching sensation and possibly cause the skin to crack and bleed. Instead, apply a moisturizer or cold compress to relieve the itching.

Dry Skin Treatment

Your dermatologist with Advanced Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center may suggest other lifestyle changes, such as avoiding clothes made from wool and other irritating fabrics. Prescription strength topical creams and ointments are commonly used to treat dry skin.

What Are Rash Conditions?

Rash conditions include a range of skin discoloration and/or inflammation which differs from normal skin tone. These acute skin conditions can appear and/or develop at any age and include:

Atopic eczema;
Dermatitis;
Granuloma annulare;
Hives;

Intertrigo;
Lichen planus; and
Pityriasis rosea.

A skin specialist with Advanced Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center will use a combination of physical examinations and lab tests to diagnose the specific type of rash.

Causes of Rash Conditions

A single rash condition may have more than one cause. Lab tests can determine whether the rash is caused by a bacteria, fungus, or virus which need specific treatment to resolve. Frequent rash symptoms include small clear blisters; raised, sheet-like or bumpy patches of skin; pink or red skin coloration; and dry, scaly skin texture.

Contact Reactions

A common cause of rash conditions is a contact reaction which causes a topical skin reaction. Contact reactions can stem from:

Chemicals and/or dyes used in laundry detergent, makeup, and soaps;
Clothing dyes;

Chemicals found in products that use elastic, latex, and/or rubber; and
Exposure to poison ivy, oak, sumac, and/or other poisonous plants.

Infection Or Underlying Medical Condition

Bacterial, fungal, parasitic, and viral infections can cause many types of rashes to appear, such as ringworm or lupus erythematosus.

Medications

Medications can cause rashes to appear, usually from an allergic reaction or side effect. Make sure to tell your Boardman dermatologist of all medications you’re taking as this can also affect rash treatment.

What To Do For Rashes

Rashes caused by contact reactions can generally be managed and/or alleviated with many at-home treatments, such as:

Using warm water and mild cleansers when bathing or showering;
Applying over-the-counter topical creams and ointments, such as calamine lotion and hydrocortisone cream to reduce the symptoms;

Not rubbing or scratching the rash and surrounding tissue; and
Patting the inflamed area dry after bathing or showering and not covering the rash with clothing.

Treatments For Rash Conditions

A dermatologist in Boardman, OH, with Advanced Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center may use a combination of in-office and at-home medical treatments for rashes. If the rash is caused by an infection, medications are generally prescribed to treat the infection which usually clears up the rash. Treatment for non-infectious rashes generally includes topical creams and ointments.

Dermatologist In Boardman, OH

The staff with Advanced Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center is dedicated to providing high-quality and effective treatment for all skin conditions. By staying up-to-date on dermatological treatments and techniques, we provide individualized treatment while educating our patients. To schedule a Boardman dermatology appointment, contact Advanced Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center today.