Treatment of a rash of dry skin
In general, care should be taken to ensure proper skin care and a sufficient daily drinking amount to prevent dry skin and the subsequent skin rash. In addition, hot baths should generally be avoided, especially in the case of diseases such as psoriasis and neurodermatitis. The skin should not be rubbed dry after bathing or showering, but rather dabbed off or, better still, if there is time, dried in the air.
Dry skin should also be treated daily with suitable creams. Here, attention must be paid to the sensitivity and tolerance of the skin. Products containing fragrances, preservatives or colorants should be avoided, as these can cause skin rashes.
If the dry skin and rash is caused by an underactive thyroid, it should be treated with thyroid hormones (L-thyroxine). If skin diseases such as neurodermatitis or psoriasis are the cause of dry skin and rash, in most cases a lifelong therapy is required. Since these diseases occur in relapses, the rash must often be treated with prescription cortisone creams. If the psoriasis is very pronounced, there are also new, drug-based treatment methods that should be discussed individually with the treating physician. In general, a skin rash that does not disappear on its own after a few days should be checked by a doctor and treated individually.
How long does the dryness of the skin last?
In most cases – especially with appropriate treatment and care – the rash caused by dry skin disappears after a few days. Some patients with psoriasis have permanently (chronically) dry skin. These scaly, dry and reddish spots are mainly found on the elbow extension, knees and scalp and can alternately be more or less inflamed.
Neurodermatitis sufferers also have to expect a constant tendency to dryness of the skin, which is reddened and irritated in relapses. The skin rash rarely subsides on its own and must then be treated with cortisone in most cases. If treatment is given, an improvement is usually seen within a few days.
