How To Help Irritated Skin

Five Products That Soothe Irritated Skin

Protect your skin with gentle, fragrance-free skin care products and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day. All Paulas Choice products are fragrance-free and have been specially formulated not to irritate the skin. Here are our five favourite products that reduce skin irritation and sensitivity:

Can Sensitive Skin Ever Become Serious

“While rare, it’s possible for a person to experience a life-threatening allergic reaction to a chemical or product that irritates the skin,” warns Dr. Jih. “This is called anaphylaxis and requires emergency medical attention.”

Signs of a severe allergic reaction aren’t limited to what you see on your skin and include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the tongue, throat or face
• Rash covering most or all of the body, especially if the rash is painful
• Blisters and signs of skin infection

If you think you’re having an allergic reaction and are experiencing symptoms of anaphylaxis, call 911 immediately.

Soothe Redness With A Calming Treatment

One of the most common symptoms of skin irritation is having a tight-feeling, red face, often referred to as contact dermatitis.V Red skin remedies generally revolve around removing whatever the cause of the irritation is. However, several plant ingredients can help calm problem skin, such as cannabis sativa seed oil and calendula.IV

To calm an irritated complexion, we recommend the best-selling Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Herbal Concentrate Face Oil. Its formulated with 100% naturally-derived ingredients, including hemp-derived cannabis sativa seed oil and green oregano oil.* Together, these powerful yet gentle non-comedogenic oils help strengthen the skin barrier, visibly reduce redness, and balance hydration. Apply two to three drops of this lightweight treatment to problem areas daily for soothed, comforted skin.

Also Check: Fluconazole Dose For Skin Infection

Shampoos For Head Lice

Itching is one of the most common symptoms of head lice, tiny insects that live on or near a human scalp. The only way to know for sure that a person has head lice is to see one of the lice crawling in the person’s hair. Over-the-counter lice medicine is called pediculicide. Follow the directions on the box carefully.

Tips for head lice treatment:

• Treat everyone in the household who is infected at the same time.
• Do not use conditioner on your hair right before applying the lice medication.
• Do not wash your hair again for 24-48 hours after you rinse out the lice treatment.
• Wash clothing, pillowcases, sheets, and towels each infected person used in the two days before the lice treatment. Use the hot water cycle on the washer and high heat on the dryer.
• Soak combs and hairbrushes in very hot water for at least five minutes.

Ways To Prevent Atopic Dermatitis Flares In Cold Weather

In terms of sunscreen, the American Cancer Society says to look for water-resistant products that have broad-spectrum protection, which shields you from both UVA and UVB rays, with an SPF of at least 30 or higher. Then dont forget to reapply as indicated on the label.

RELATED: How to Guard Your Skin Against Environmental Damage

Don’t Miss: How To Know If You Have Skin Cancer On Face

What Is Itchy Skin

Itchy skin, also known as pruritis, is a common irritation of the skin that makes you want to scratch the itchy area. It can occur anywhere on the body and can be very frustrating and uncomfortable.

Itching may occur on a small part of the body, for example around the area of an insect bite, or it can affect the whole body such as an allergic reaction.

Itchy skin is usually not serious. But sometimes it can be caused by a serious medical condition.

Effects Of Irritated Skin

Often an irritated skin may involve more than just redness or itching. The skin will recover less easily if it is irritated, supporting substances such as collagen and elastin will be broken down and the outer layer will be weakened.

Moreover, irritated skin has a higher chance of developing wrinkles, brown spots and other signs of skin ageing. In people with an oily skin, skin inflammations may have an effect on the nerve endings in the pores that stimulate hormone production, increasing sebum production and the likelihood of enlarged pores.

Recommended Reading: Does Skin Cancer Cause Pain

Keep Your Skin Healthy

Some sun can be good for you, but to keep your skin healthy, be careful:

• Limit time in the sun. Its okay to go out during the day, but try to avoid being in sun during peak times when the suns rays are strongest. For example, during the summer, try to stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Dont be fooled by cloudy skies. The suns rays can go through clouds. You can also get sunburned if you are in water, so be careful when you are in a pool, a lake, or the ocean.
• Use sunscreen. Look for sunscreen with an SPF number of 15 or higher. Its best to choose sunscreens with broad spectrum on the label. Put the sunscreen on 15 to 30 minutes before you go outside. Sunscreen should be reapplied at least every two hours. You need to put sunscreen on more often if you are swimming, sweating, or rubbing your skin with a towel.
• Wear protective clothing. A hat with a wide brim can shade your neck, ears, eyes, and head. Look for sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of the suns rays. If you have to be in the sun, wear loose, lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and long pants or long skirts.
• Avoid tanning. Dont use sunlamps or tanning beds. Tanning pills are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and might not be safe.

Your skin may change with age. But remember, there are things you can do to help. Check your skin often. If you find any changes that worry you, see your doctor.

When To See A Doctor

As with any health condition, if you have concerns, dont hesitate to contact your doctor.

But if youre more of a wait and see type of person, its important to know the signs that may indicate its time to see your healthcare provider or dermatologist.

If you have severe dry skin, its a good idea to follow up with your doctor if you notice:

• your skin is oozing, blistering, or has an odor
• large areas of your skin are peeling
• you have an itchy rash thats ring-shaped
• your dry skin doesnt get better or gets worse after using home treatments for a couple of weeks

You may need a prescription ointment or medication to treat your symptoms.

You May Like: Can Skin Cancer Kill You Yahoo Answers

A Pharmacist Can Help With Itchy Skin

A pharmacist can recommend the best products to help with itchy skin. For example, creams, lotions or a medicine called antihistamine.

Tell them where your skin is itchy and if you have any other symptoms.

A pharmacist might also be able to tell you:

• what you can do to treat it yourself
• if you need to see a GP

Use Baking Soda With Coconut Oil

Use Baking Soda With Coconut Oil to treat skin rashes and to soothe itchy and irritated skin on your face. Just add one part of baking soda to three parts water and add coconut oil, then apply on the irritated skin every day. Make sure not to leave the baking soda on your face for too long as it can cause more irritation.

Also Check: Best Sunscreen For Brown Skin

What To Do For A Skin Reaction To Shampoo Or Dye

Be sure to rinse out all the shampoo â regular or medicated â when you wash your hair. Shampoo left on the scalp can cause itching, dryness, and flaking. If you have an itchy rash on your scalp, you could be having an allergic reaction to a shampoo or other hair product.

A hair dye ingredient called para-phenylenediamine often triggers allergic reactions. The treatment is to stop using the product you’re allergic to. If you have trouble figuring out what ingredient is bothering you, a dermatologist may be able to help you narrow it down.

Show Sources

SOURCES:American Academy of Dermatology Association: “How to Treat Dandruff,” “10 Reasons Your Scalp Itches and How to Get Relief,” “Scalp Psoriasis: Overview.”American Family Physician: “Atopic Dermatitis: Diagnosis and Treatment.”Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “Parasites: Head Lice,” “Ringworm.”Cleveland Clinic: “Do You Have an Itchy Scalp? 5 Common Problems and Fixes.”Mayo Clinic: “Dandruff.”

Stay Away From Products That Can Irritate The Skin

Many products that we use every day, from toxic household cleaners to harsh cosmetic products, can be damaging to sensitive, easily irritated skin, and upset its balance. To limit the risks, always use eco-friendly household products and wear gloves when you’re doing housework or manual chores. As for cosmetic products, remember to take a close look at the list of ingredients, and avoid cleansers that contain sulfates such as Sodium Laureth Sulfate. This is the cheapest and most widely used surfactant, but it is not readily biodegradable and can be very drying for the skin. In the world of organic beauty, you’ll often find Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate that are derived from plants and produced using green chemistry. Even though they’re approved by organic certification bodies, we don’t use them at Absolution. We prefer to use botanical cleansing bases formulated with Coconut and Cane Sugar instead. They’re much gentler on your skin and the planet!

Recommended Reading: Mild Psoriasis On Black Skin Pictures

Dont Hesitate To Seek Medical Treatment For Seriously Irritated Skin

Dry skin may be a sign of something more serious, like eczema or psoriasis, according to Harvard Health Publishing. See a board-certified dermatologist if you have one or more of the following symptoms, says Dr. ODonoghue:

• Your skin doesnt improve in spite of your best efforts.
• Dryness and itching are severe enough to keep you awake at night.
• You have open sores or infections from scratching.
• You have large areas of scaling or peeling skin.

Additional reporting by Steve Horowitz.

Cleanse And Exfoliate Gently

Cleansing and exfoliating are big parts of having healthy skin but they can also be triggers for irritation. If you cleanse with alcohol or fragrance you can irritate your skin. When you exfoliate make sure to avoid products that have a gritty, harsh quality to them and contain sand or crystals. These are too harsh and can cause a flare-up. To still rid your skin of dead skin cells look out for products with antioxidants or gentle acids that can peel away the top layer without stripping your skin. We recommend Garnier SkinActives Clean+ Gentle Clarifying Cleansing Gel which is specifically designed for sensitive skin and has a cooling texture that will clean and restore your skin. There are also on-the-go wipes for sensitive skin which help cleanse and soothe skin.

Recommended Reading: Best Foundation For Mature Skin Over 60

Switch To Gentle Cleansers

Switching to gentle cleansers, laundry detergents, and fabric softeners may also help to alleviate and prevent itchy and uncomfortable skin.

When it comes to soap and lotions, choose products that are water-based and fragrance free. Fragrance free detergents that are designed for sensitive skin may also help.

The Fix: Identify Your Allergen And Avoid Further Contact With It

There’s unfortunately not too much to be done to immediately alleviate the rash once you’ve developed it, other than finding natural anti-inflammatory and anti-itch salves to ease the symptoms temporarily.

From there, the most important thing you can do is to identify your major triggers or allergies and avoid using them as best you can. Sometimes, this is easy: If you know you’re allergic to a certain herb or plant, you can just double-check ingredient labels. Other times, it requires being more mindful about your habits, such as making sure you wash makeup brushes and towels regularly. And still others, it’s unavoidablelike is the case of masks. In these situations, try your best to soothe your skin after the fact as much as possible.

Also Check: Beautiful You Weight And Skin Solutions

Age Spots And Skin Tags

Age spots, once called liver spots, are flat, brown spots often caused by years in the sun. They are bigger than freckles and commonly show up on areas like the face, hands, arms, back, and feet. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen that helps protect against two types of the suns rays may prevent more age spots.

Skin tags are small, usually flesh-colored growths of skin that have a raised surface. They become common as people age, especially for women. They are most often found on the eyelids, neck, and body folds such as the armpit, chest, and groin.

Age spots and skin tags are harmless, although sometimes skin tags can become irritated. If your age spots or skin tags bother you, talk to your doctor about having them removed.

Natural Remedies To Help Soothe Irritated Skin

You dont have to have dandruff to see skin flakes on your t-shirt. Dry, irritated facial skin can make you look like youve walked through a snowstorm, even in the middle of summer. Tight, itchy skin can make you want to claw your face to shreds, and no matter what you try it just doesnt seem to fix the issue.

Youve got irritated skin man, and the best way to fix it is by going au natural.

Lucky for you, Disco has your back. Weve built an entire natural-ingredient based skincare system specifically designed to work synergistically with the pH balance of a mans skin. That means our stuff works better than most of the stuff you find at the big box store, which is usually formulated for a womans skin, anyway.

Heres whats irritating your skin and seven remedies to fix it naturally.

Don’t Miss: Best Sunscreen For Acne Prone Skin Dermatologist Recommended

Complications Of Itchy Skin

It’s quite common to find that after you have scratched an itch that it becomes more persistent and you get into a cycle of itching and scratching. This can be painful and can sometimes lead to an infection if the skin is broken.

The scratching can also lead to brown or pale marks on the skin, lumps, bruising or scarring.

Make An Oatmeal Facial Wash

Make an oatmeal facial wash by mixing a cup of ground oatmeal and water to make a creamy paste. Apply this facial wash to your skin and let it sit for 20 minutes. Rinse it either with lukewarm water or milk, and youll notice you have softer and more supple skin.

Oatmeal provides soothing and anti-inflammatory features. It is effective in treating skin rashes, chickenpox, eczema, allergies, and sunburn.

Also Check: What Is Squamous Cell Carcinoma Lung Cancer

First Things First: Whats The Cause

There are a few things that could be causing your irritated skin.

Products that contain benzoyl peroxide, alpha hydroxy acids or beta hydroxy acid may be helpful in treating breakouts, but they can also be irritating for people with sensitive skin, said David Lortscher, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of skin care company Curology.

Excessive exfoliation may also be the culprit, Lortscher said, as rough or sharp particles in certain scrubs can actually cause microscopic tears in the skin. Debra Jaliman, a New York-based dermatologist and St. Ives spokesperson, agreed that overexfoliation, and overuse of products in general, can leave skin feeling irritated.

We see people who are red, peeling, dry, irritated skin because of product overuse, Jaliman said. Its either one product theyre overusing, or theyre just using every acid on the block.

If you want to use an anti-aging product, thats fine, but pick one, she said. Dont use every one all together, like a smorgasbord of every product. Thats no good, especially if you have delicate skin.

Angela Lamb, director of the Westside Mount Sinai Dermatology Faculty Practice in New York City, echoed Lortscher and Jaliman, adding that irritation is more common in the winter because our skin can be more sensitive during the colder months.

The serums and exfoliating products that you could use in the summer and spring may be too hard for the fall and winter, Lamb said.

Causes Of Irritated Skin

There are many reasons why you may be experiencing irritated skin, but common culprits include allergies, insect bites, parasitic infections like scabies, fungal infections like athlete’s foot, and skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea. In particular, many people experience textile dermatitis, which is a clothing allergy. Irritation results when the skin reacts negatively to the chemicals and dyes used to make the fabric. Other irritating substances that can trigger irritation include zippers, belt buckles, jewelry, makeup products, and even the food you eat.

Don’t Miss: Daily Skin Care Routine At Home

Soothe Dry Feet With This Easy Nighttime Routine

Dont ignore dry feet or cracked heels. According to the Mayo Clinic, dry cracks in your heels can lead to deeper fissures if left untreated, ultimately upping your odds of an infection.

To help combat dry, uncomfortable feet, moisturize them twice a day, the Mayo Clinic suggests. Also, dont forget the eight hours when you are not awake moisturizing before bed will make a difference, says Leffell. While this advice applies to the entire body, try the Mayo Clinics bedtime regime for dry feet: Soak your feet for a few minutes, use a loofah to lightly remove dead skin, follow up with a heavy cream on your feet, and then place your feet right into socks to allow the moisturizer to soak in.