Rash? Itching? Find Relief With The Best Rash Specialist Doctor In Lemont

You know the feeling: that itch on your arm, leg, or back that begs for a deep, satisfying scratch. But you know that giving in to that desire will only make things worse. Scratching may provide temporary relief, but it will also leave your skin red and irritated, and the itching will return.

Fortunately, there are home remedies that can relieve these itchy irritations without a prescription. The rash specialist doctor in Lemont gives us the low-down on what might be causing your itchy skin and how you can treat it.

Causes of itchy skin

A change in the weather is a major cause of itchy skin, especially as the warm, humid air of summer gives way to cooler, drier air.

We're often the ones making it worse, she says, with your skin already drying out due to drier air. Turning on the heat at home during the winter draws more moisture out of your skin. Dry skin worsens as the seasons change.

While the weather is frequently to blame for dry skin, she adds that it is not always the case. Eczema is a common cause of red, scaly skin patches on the front of your elbow, the back of your knee, or even your hands.

Your soap could also be a source of dry, itchy skin. Not all soaps are created equal, and some contain antibacterial components or fragrances that can irritate and dry out your skin even more.

To help soothe itchy skin, rash specialists in Lemont recommend the following tips:

• Apply a cold, wet cloth or an ice pack to itchy skin. Do this for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the itch is gone.
• Take a bath in oatmeal.
• This can be very soothing, especially for hives, poison ivy, chickenpox blisters or oozing skin, or sunburn.
• The skin should be moisturized.
• Choose a moisturizer that does not contain any fragrances, additives, or perfumes.
• Use a topical anesthetic.
• Use cooling agents like menthol or calamine.
• You could also put your moisturizer in the refrigerator to achieve this cooling effect.

When does itchy skin become a major issue?

But when does it become clear that your itchy skin is a sign of something more serious? These symptoms are definitely worth discussing with your doctor.

• Itching is felt all over, rather than just in specific areas, and that is felt at all times, regardless of season or time of day.
• If you've tried these home remedies for more than four weeks and still haven't found relief, consult a doctor.
• If your rash is red and scaly, it is more than just dry skin.
• Bleeding and pain: if your skin is cracked, bleeding, or causing you to wake up in the middle of the night.

If you’re experiencing one or more of these, reach out to the rash specialist doctor in Lemont as soon as possible.