Red, Flaky Skin: Causes, Home Remedies & When to See a Doctor

Red, flaky skin can be caused by cold weather, an allergic reaction, a medical condition or certain medications. If your symptoms are mild and the condition is not disrupting your sleep, causing pain and there are no open cuts or sores, you can treat the rash at home. If these symptoms are present, you should see your physician.

Things You'll Need

• 1-percent hydrocortisone cream
• Mild cleanser
• Ointment or moisturizer
• Humidifier

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Instructions

• 1

  Take short baths or showers and keep the water warm, rather than hot. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, called the AAD, hot water dries skin and can worsen an existing skin condition.

• 2

  Use mild cleansers and fragrance-free soap. Also, choose soaps free of antibacterial agents. Harsh cleansers with added chemicals can irritate dry skin and exacerbate flakiness by prolonging the dryness.

• 3

  Apply moisturizer to your skin as soon as you get out of the shower. Putting moisturizer on your skin within three minutes of bathing, when your skin is still damp, locks moisture in.

• 4

  Hold a cool compress on itchy skin and apply an anti-itch cream such as 1-percent hydrocortisone, if your skin is inflamed.

• 5

  Add moisture to the atmosphere in your home with a humidifier.

• 6

  Leave your skin exposed to the air unless you have a contagious condition or open blisters.