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What Causes Red Dry Skin On Face And Itchy Redness On Neck?

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Posted on Tue, 25 Nov 2014
Question: Hi I am XXXXXXX 62 years old, have never had any allergies other than codeine. I have started getting red dry skin areas on my face and can't get a dermatologist appointment until the 20th of this month. It seems to be getting worse and now is red on my neck, also only the neck itches. I have not changed any soaps or cleansers. Tried Benadryl yesterday, no change I have been using a dry skin moisturizer since this started and not improving. What can I do before my appointment or can my PCD be of any help?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Need to rule out/confirm allergic reaction first

Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. Of course, it will be difficult to provide a diagnosis as only a physical examination would contribute to that directly. But we will have to work towards careful suppression of your current complaints.

At first I would recommend you to use an anti-histamine like pheniramine (available in both tablet and injectable form). The oral tablet form should be available over-the-counter, but the injectable form can be administered only by medical personnel for which you may have to visit the ER.

If at all you find relief from this anti-histamine then we can be sure you have an allergy, and your presentation is not due to some other underlying cause or condition. But if at all you do not experience an improvement after the use of a good anti-histamine like pheniramine, then we should strongly suspect other possible causes. Some of the most common causes for dry red skin are listed below for your reference ma'am:

-Steam (showers)
-Weather (Especially winter)
-Scrubbing your skin
-Washing your face too often
-Soap that reduces moisture
-Aging
-Perfumes, fabric softner, other chemicals
-Clothes you are wearing, sheets, etc.
-Thyroid abnormalities
-Atopic dermatitis
-Diabetes
-Psoriasis
-Some systemic conditions (eg. systemic lupus erythematosus) - although unlikely

So for now please do try to get your hands on some OTC anti-histamines and see if they help; you could also add an anti-inflammatory medication to your treatment regimen.. If you do not experience relief, then please write back to me and we shall look into other options from there on. I would also like to add that if at all you have any chronic conditions (like some of the above mentioned ones, do write back to me).

I hope and pray you find relief from the anti-histamines; but in the meantime continue with the moisturising cream, keep yourself well hydrated and use an anti-inflammatory (NSAID like ibuprofen )as well to see if you find relief from it. Please also do not hesitate to write back to me for any further clarifications, I am always here to help.

Best wishes.
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. Shoaib Khan

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 9409 Questions

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What Causes Red Dry Skin On Face And Itchy Redness On Neck?

Brief Answer: Need to rule out/confirm allergic reaction first Detailed Answer: Hello ma'am and welcome. Thank you for writing to us. I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. Of course, it will be difficult to provide a diagnosis as only a physical examination would contribute to that directly. But we will have to work towards careful suppression of your current complaints. At first I would recommend you to use an anti-histamine like pheniramine (available in both tablet and injectable form). The oral tablet form should be available over-the-counter, but the injectable form can be administered only by medical personnel for which you may have to visit the ER. If at all you find relief from this anti-histamine then we can be sure you have an allergy, and your presentation is not due to some other underlying cause or condition. But if at all you do not experience an improvement after the use of a good anti-histamine like pheniramine, then we should strongly suspect other possible causes. Some of the most common causes for dry red skin are listed below for your reference ma'am: -Steam (showers) -Weather (Especially winter) -Scrubbing your skin -Washing your face too often -Soap that reduces moisture -Aging -Perfumes, fabric softner, other chemicals -Clothes you are wearing, sheets, etc. -Thyroid abnormalities -Atopic dermatitis -Diabetes -Psoriasis -Some systemic conditions (eg. systemic lupus erythematosus) - although unlikely So for now please do try to get your hands on some OTC anti-histamines and see if they help; you could also add an anti-inflammatory medication to your treatment regimen.. If you do not experience relief, then please write back to me and we shall look into other options from there on. I would also like to add that if at all you have any chronic conditions (like some of the above mentioned ones, do write back to me). I hope and pray you find relief from the anti-histamines; but in the meantime continue with the moisturising cream, keep yourself well hydrated and use an anti-inflammatory (NSAID like ibuprofen )as well to see if you find relief from it. Please also do not hesitate to write back to me for any further clarifications, I am always here to help. Best wishes.