Health Topics A-Z

What Are the Symptoms?

Dry, reddish, itchy skin indicates some type of dermatitis, or skin inflammation, of which there are many types.

• A red rash that is limited to the area of skin exposed to an irritant is probably contact dermatitis, an allergic reaction.
• Red, itchy, circular patches of weeping, scaly, or encrusted skin signal nummular dermatitis, common in older people who have dry skin or live in dry environments.
• Greasy, yellowish scales on the scalp and eyebrows, behind the ears, and around the nose indicate seborrheic dermatitis; in infants it is called cradle cap.
• Scaling, sometimes ulcerated skin appearing inside the lower legs and around the ankles may indicate stasis dermatitis.
• Extreme, persistent itchiness may signal atopic dermatitis, or eczema. Many times, however, itchiness results simply from dry skin.

Call Your Doctor If:

• Your skin has oozing sores or other signs of infection. You may need treatment with antibiotics or other drugs.
• The affected skin does not respond to treatment with over-the-counter creams or medicated shampoos. You should have a medical diagnosis and treatment.

During a flare-up of eczema, if you are exposed to anyone with a viral skin disease, such as cold sores or warts, you are at increased risk of contracting the viral disorder.