Skin irritation on the face or elsewhere on the body can occur for many different reasons. Because many skin conditions and underlying diseases manifest with similar symptoms -- red and itchy skin, for example -- it is essential to seek a diagnosis from a dermatologist or doctor before attempting treatment of a specific condition.
Environmental Control
A range of environmental factors can cause or exacerbate skin irritation. Possible allergens include laundry detergents and toiletry items. Use non-allergenic, gentle products for washing your clothes and yourself in order to minimize the risk of irritation. According to a study published in the April 2006 issue of the journal "Contact Dermatitis," environmental temperature and humidity levels also contribute to skin irritation. A well-humidified environment will cause less skin irritation overall than a dry atmosphere. Extremes of hot and cold can also contribute to skin irritation, so try to keep your environment temperature-controlled.
Topical Treatments
For certain types of skin irritation, or to give broken skin a chance to heal, your doctor may prescribe steroid ointment or creams to be applied directly to the irritated area. Topical steroid creams reduce swelling and redness of the skin, but should not be used excessively as they have a tendency to thin the skin. Another treatment for skin irritation is antibiotics, which may be prescribed as a topical treatment or an oral medication. Because different skin conditions react differently to steroids and antibiotics, a doctor's diagnosis is essential before attempting any topical treatment of the skin.
Dietary Therapy
Skin irritation can be caused, or made worse, by certain foods and drinks. Keeping a diary of your food intake and your skin symptoms may help you identify any particular foods or drinks which worsen your skin irritation. Spicy foods and alcohol typically redden irritated skin, as they both work to enlarge blood vessels near the skin surface. Red wine is known to be a particularly irritating form of alcohol for individuals with the skin condition rosacea. Once you have identified any foods and drinks which are irritating your skin, reduce or eliminate these items from your diet.
References
- "Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology"; Skin Effects Associated with Wearing Fabrics Washed with Commercial Laundry Detergents; C. Rodriguez, et al.; February 1994
- "Contact Dermatitis"; Low Humidity Occupational Dermatoses; R. J. G. Rycroft, et al.; April 2006
- Rosacea Diet: A Simple Method to Control Rosacea
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