Itchy, red, uncomfortable skin is more common than you might think. These symptoms can feel much worse than their underlying causes, but man can they be uncomfortable. There are certain skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema which require acute care. The majority of itchy and red skin cases stem from simple skin problems like irritation and dry skin. Regardless, it can be frustrating and downright painful to suffer from itchy skin on the hands, feet, elbows and anywhere else.
Today, we will answer the question of why your itchy skin might be turning red by reviewing common reasons for itchy skin, how to avoid dry skin, and why once daily moisturizers can be the key to relief.
Common Reasons for Dry, Itchy Skin
Itchy skin can cover a wide range of underlying skin conditions ranging from dry skin to acute psoriasis. While most causes of dry, itchy skin are harmless, there are certainly reasons to take chronic itchy skin seriously. With this in mind, here are some of the most common causes of dry and itchy skin:
- Allergic reactions: allergic dermatitis can result from a wide range of irritants on the skin including detergents, cosmetics, clothing, poison ivy, and much more.
- Dry skin: the most common symptom is also caused by the most common skin condition. Dry skin affects nearly everybody on occasion. In most cases, dry skin is harmless.
- Internal disorders: not all itchy skin causes are found on the surface. Nerve disorders, liver disease, and even anxiety disorders can cause itchy skin.
- Common skin conditions: while itchy skin is often caused by a dip in humidity, acute skin conditions including psoriasis, bug bites, eczema, and burns can also cause an itching discomfort.
Why Itchy Skin Turns Red
Itchy skin is often accompanied by redness and/or swelling. Unfortunately, the skin turning red in and of itself is not enough to determine the root cause of the discomfort. Even our prior examples of dry skin and psoriasis both commonly result in red skin, with one being a minor inconvenience and the other being a major health concern.
Most skin redness is the result of inflammation. Skin inflammation can refer to any situation where there is swelling and/or excess blood flow to the affected area. Common causes of skin inflammation include bug bites, allergic reactions, sunburn, dry skin, and other skin conditions such as rosacea. It should also be noted that we often associated itchy skin with dry skin because we are actively scratching the area.
Dry Skin is the Leading Cause of Itchy, Red Skin
Other causes of itchy, red skin aside, the most frequent culprit remains dry skin. Dry skin is the most common skin condition for individuals across all ages and from all backgrounds. This is particularly true for those of us who live in areas which experience cold, dry winters. Redness can result as a reaction to scratching dry and itchy skin, but it also can result from the skin being dry itself.
Your skin is the largest organ in the body, and it performs a huge number of vital roles for overall health. When the skin becomes cracked and damaged, inflammation and redness are a natural response. Instead of worrying about the redness itself, try attacking your dry skin with a potent moisturizer specifically formulated to restore, renew, and repair dry skin.
Easy Dry Skin Relief for Men
Assuming you or a loved one is struggling with dry, itchy skin, what can you do to improve the situation? Thankfully, there are a few easy ways to fight back against cracked and damaged skin, including:
- Use moisturizer daily: the easiest, simplest, and often the best way to combat dry skin is by using a moisturizing product. Apply moisturizer as part of your shower routine for best results.
- Avoid long and hot showers. Speaking of showers, those 30 minute long sauna sessions you sometimes take aren’t doing your skin any favors. Excessive heat and excessive length can dry out skin over time.
- Protect skin from the elements. Winter weather and other extreme conditions can wreak havoc on the skin. Wear gloves, cover up, and keep your skin protected from cold and windy weather.
- Choose non-irritating skin care products. That soap you use to shower or wash your hands might be the cause of your red and itchy skin. Take a few seconds to read the label and consider making a change if necessary.
HEFF Relief for Dry, Red, Itchy Skin
At HEFF, our team of doctors, chemists, and researchers developed our hand, elbow and foot cream for a singular purpose: to restore dry, chapped, cracked, split hands, elbows, knees, and feet. Our proprietary formula harnesses the power of amino acids to deliver unparalleled hydration and recovery for damaged skin. HEFF hand cream is non-greasy, water-based, and will leave you without any unpleasant scents or residues.
Additionally, for each tube purchased, HEFF will donate a tube to military, military families, and/or first responders through the charity Operation Gratitude. We are proud to give back in this small way to our nation’s heroes. To find HEFF, look for our products in major retailers around the country, by shopping online, or feel free to contact us directly with any additional questions