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What Causes Dry Itchy Skin?

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Posted on Fri, 23 Jan 2015
Question: hi Doctor,
my body skin is getting very dry. itchy, after wearing cloth from work and day to day work, and it is worst at side heap.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (34 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
moisturizing meds, topical steroid

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

If the rash and itchy sensation is worse after wearing particular material then you are likely allergic to this material.

If this is the case the main aspect of treatment would be to reduce or eliminate any further exposure.

If this is not possible then you can consider the following: (1) continue the moisturizing cream

It would be best that it is applied multiple times daily if possible.

In addition when it is applied after bathing, it should be within 3 minutes of the bath, before all of the water is dried.
It would help seal in the water to the skin.

You may also want to consider moisturizing bath additives to help reduce skin irritation from ordinary soaps.
This includes agents such as emulsifying ointment or aqueous cream.

(2)the use of topical steroid may also help

Hydrocortisone is over the counter but this may not be strong enough.

Your doctor may need to prescribe a stronger topical steroid

This would be used twice daily for 1 to 2 weeks.

(3)also consider the use of oral antihistamines to further help reduce the itching

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (21 minutes later)
Which cloths i should avoid mostly. and how can i retain moisture on my skin and healthy skin.

thankyou for your help doctor, i was using E 45 cream, not consistently.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (47 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
yes use consistently

Detailed Answer:
HI

You can retain moisture by using the E 45 consistently and also applying soon after bathing so that it traps the water to the skin
As mentioned it is normally advised to apply the moisturizer within 3 minutes of bathing while water still present.

In terms of material to avoid- it would depend on which type you notice is causing the problem.
If you notice a particular material is causing the rash or making it worse then it should be avoided. It would be different for everyone.

Please feel free to ask any thing else
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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What Causes Dry Itchy Skin?

Brief Answer: moisturizing meds, topical steroid Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic If the rash and itchy sensation is worse after wearing particular material then you are likely allergic to this material. If this is the case the main aspect of treatment would be to reduce or eliminate any further exposure. If this is not possible then you can consider the following: (1) continue the moisturizing cream It would be best that it is applied multiple times daily if possible. In addition when it is applied after bathing, it should be within 3 minutes of the bath, before all of the water is dried. It would help seal in the water to the skin. You may also want to consider moisturizing bath additives to help reduce skin irritation from ordinary soaps. This includes agents such as emulsifying ointment or aqueous cream. (2)the use of topical steroid may also help Hydrocortisone is over the counter but this may not be strong enough. Your doctor may need to prescribe a stronger topical steroid This would be used twice daily for 1 to 2 weeks. (3)also consider the use of oral antihistamines to further help reduce the itching I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions