Contact dermatitis is an umbrella term for rashes caused by skin exposure to anything from soaps to cosmetics to fragrances, jewelry, or even plants. It’s not contagious or dangerous, but contact dermatitis is no fun to deal with. Luckily, this pesky skin problem usually doesn’t last long.

Two main types 

A long list of substances can trigger contact dermatitis, Byrne notes. The most common type, irritant dermatitis, can result from exposure to:

• Soap, detergent or fabric softener
• Shampoo or hair dye
• Weed killer or pesticide
• Latex or rubber gloves
• Cement
• Chemicals or solvents

Meanwhile, the other type of the condition is known as allergic dermatitis. Confoundingly, allergic dermatitis might not happen the first time you’re exposed to an allergen, Byrne says. “It can happen at any time, whether the first, fifth or tenth time you’ve come in contact with it,” he adds. These allergens include:

• Adhesives, such as those used for fake eyelashes or toupees
• Topical antibiotics
• Clothes and fabrics
• Fragrances in perfume, soap, lotion and makeup
• Nickel and other metals found in jewelry, buttons, bra straps and zippers
• Poison ivy, oak, sumac or other plants
• Latex or rubber gloves

Another complicating factor is that certain products can trigger contact dermatitis only after sun exposure. These products include sunscreens (ironically), shaving lotions, certain perfumes, coal tar products, and even oil from the skin of a lime. That’s why contact dermatitis can be problematic to identify – so many things can bring it on. and some rashes take a few days to show up.

Treatment options 

While perplexing, it’s important to figure out what might have caused your case of contact dermatitis. Why? Because determining the trigger raises the odds you’ll be able to quickly and successfully treat the rash.First and foremost, avoid the offending substance once you know what it is. Simply staying away from it typically gives the rash a chance to resolve on its own, even though it may take a few weeks to fully clear.Other home measures include washing affected skin with water to remove traces of the irritant or allergen; and using anti-itch creams such as calamine lotion or corticosteroids to calm inflamed skin. If these tactics don’t provide relief within several days, call your doctor, who may perform allergy testing to pinpoint what’s causing your skin reaction.Your doctor might also prescribe stronger ointments, creams or medications than you can obtain over-the-counter. There’s no reason to keep suffering from stubborn cases of contact dermatitis.Advanced Dermatology P.C. and the Center for Laser and Cosmetic Surgery (Ny, NJ, CT, PA) is one of the leading dermatology centers in the nation, offering highly experienced physicians in the fields of cosmetic and laser dermatology as well as plastic surgery and state-of-the-art medical technologies. www.advanceddermatologypc.com.Christopher Byrne, PA-C, is a physician assistant who specializes in dermatology at Advanced Dermatology P.C.

From the discomfort of corns and calluses to the disruptive appearance of keratosis pilaris bumps, seborrheic keratosis growths and skin tags, there are a number of non-threatening skin conditions that can pop up.

These conditions are common. About half of us will develop skin tags – medical name acrochordons. Their prevalence means that dermatologists have developed a range of treatments – some do-it-yourself, some in the office.”

The benign skin growths people contend with have different causes – some lifestyle, others still being researched.

Corns and calluses are directly connected to the wear and tear we subject our skin to: these extra layers of skin build up as protection: in the case of corns, due to pressure against our skin onto the bone underneath; in the case of calluses, due repeated friction from regular activities, like gripping tools or playing an instrument.

Other benign skin growths do not have a direct lifestyle origin.

Skin tags are typically small, dangling ovals of skin. They may be related to genes, hormones, or underlying conditions. The same is true for keratosis pilaris: small bumps that usually show up on the upper arms and thighs due to pores becoming plugged with the skin protein keratin. Seborrheic keratoses, which are warty- or waxy-looking tan or brown growths, generally develop as people age; genes and the sun may be factors.

Fortunately, we do know how to treat these conditions so that they don’t interfere with people’s lives. With that in mind, I offer the following suggestions.

5 Tips to Take the Bother Out of Benign Skin Growths:

1. Rule out more serious problems:

   It’s really important to make sure that the problem is benign. For example, we want to make sure that it’s seborrheic keratosis and not skin cancer – or a wart, which is due to a contagious virus. It’s important for everyone to develop a skin check-up schedule that will establish their baseline skin condition and support ongoing monitoring for problems, especially skin cancer.

2. Relieve the pressure:

   With corns and calluses, lifestyle adjustments are the solution. Protective padding – for example moleskin for a callus, adhesive pads for corns – can alleviate the friction and pressure. For both, a warm-water soak and gentle use of a pumice stone can remove the thickened skin. And then, for corns, it’s time to re-evaluate our footwear choices: we need comfortable shoes that will not exert pressure. Fortunately, there are lots of stylish and gentle options available today.

3. Remember, maintenance matters:

   Regular moisturizing is important for the gradual resolution of corns and calluses. Moisturizing is also important to address keratosis pilaris. And to get rid of the bumps, exfoliation is key. Chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid, lactic acid, or salicylic acid can be effective. But if the condition is stubborn, an office visit for laser treatments or microdermabrasion can clear the way. After treatment, moisturizing and exfoliating need to be a regular routine.

4. Growths interfering with life? Get rid of them: “f skin tags or seborrheic keratoses are obvious or interfere with clothing or jewelry, they can be removed. Your dermatologist has a range of options, including freezing (cryosurgery) or electrosurgery. Skin tags can also be removed by scissor excision.

5. Excessive? Changing? Painful? See a doctor:

   If a “benign” skin growth changes or becomes painful, it needs evaluation to rule out a medical problem. And with skin tags, if there are a great number, that requires a checkup for underlying health problems, in particular diabetes.

Harmless’ skin growths can still be problems. Your dermatologist can help solve them.

Jennifer Wong, RPA-C is a certified registered physician’s assistant specializing in dermatology with Advanced Dermatology PC

Advanced Dermatology P.C. and the Center for Laser and Cosmetic Surgery (New York & New Jersey) is one of the leading dermatology centers in the nation, offering highly experienced physicians in the fields of cosmetic and laser dermatology as well as plastic surgery and state-of-the-art medical technologies. www.advanceddermatologypc.com.

The term “rash” refers to any change in skin color, texture, or appearance. Rashes are often reddish due to inflammation, such as with hives or contact dermatitis. But rashes can also present as scaly or thickened skin, such as with atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, or rosacea.

The number of different rashes – and the fact that their signs and symptoms often overlap – can be confusing. So can the terminology, with words like “eczema” used as a catch-all phrase for different itchy conditions. ‘Contact dermatitis” and “atopic dermatitis” may both be referred to as “eczema.” But they have distinct underlying causes, symptoms, and treatments.

The complex conditions underlying some chronic rashes – such as atopic dermatitis, rosacea, and psoriasis – remain under research. That said, there seems to be an intersection of genetics, immune response, and a trigger of some sort, for example, in the environment or due to disease.

In all cases, I emphasize supportive skin care: Regardless of the rash, we’re going to benefit from gentle cleansing, regular moisturizing, and sun protection.

For specific rashes, I suggest the following tips for dealing with five common skin rashes:

1. Hives:

   These red itchy welts – medical name ‘urticaria’ – may appear and fade within hours and typically last less than 24 hours. Or they may be chronic, hanging around and regularly reoccurring – in which case you should see a doctor to find out why. Allergy testing may uncover a food trigger, for example. Or medical evaluation may reveal an underlying condition – for example a thyroid problem. Antihistamines are often used to manage symptoms.

2. Contact dermatitis:

   As the name suggests, this red, itchy, irritating rash is caused by contact with something in the environment. There are two types: allergic and irritant. With allergic contact dermatitis, doctors will investigate patients’ exposure history and do testing. Irritant contact dermatitis can require a change in routine – for example, in the case of a bartender who may need protection from repeated exposure to water or detergent during the workday. In addition to avoidance of the trigger, use of topical corticosteroids can help manage symptoms until they clear.

3. Atopic dermatitis:

   Atopic dermatitis is not an allergic reaction. It typically starts before the age of five, showing up on infants as dry, scaly, very itchy patches, often on the face. In young children, the patches tend to develop in elbow and knee creases. About half the time, the condition continues through adulthood, with periods of flare and remission. The support of an experienced dermatologist can be vital in avoiding triggers and controlling symptoms through a regimen that may include topical as well as systemic medications and, in some cases, light therapy. 

4. Rosacea:

   Early identification is important because rosacea is progressive. There are actually four types, causing facial redness, skin thickening, acne-like inflammation, and eye problems. A dermatologist’s early diagnosis can help prevent permanent skin discoloration, serious eye problems, and, in the case of thickening skin, the need for surgery. Dermatologists will customize a treatment plan that limits triggers and controls symptoms.

5. Psoriasis:

   The scaly appearance of most psoriasis is due to the body’s skin cell production kicking into overdrive, causing excess surface skin cells – or “plaques”. Psoriasis needs attention: In addition to having irritated, itchy skin, some patients also develop psoriatic arthritis, which requires early intervention to prevent long term joint damage. Psoriasis also can occur alongside other serious illnesses, such as diabetes. Management may involve topical and systemic treatments and include light therapy.

In life, rashes are all but inevitable. Your dermatologist can help ensure that when they occur, they get the treatment they require.

Derek V. Chan, MD, PhD, board certified dermatologist with particular interests in psoriasis, cutaneous neoplasms, and lasers/cosmetic dermatology.

Advanced Dermatology P.C. and the Center for Laser and Cosmetic Surgery (New York & New Jersey) is one of the leading dermatology centers in the nation, offering highly experienced physicians in the fields of cosmetic and laser dermatology as well as plastic surgery and state-of-the-art medical technologies. www.advanceddermatologypc.com.

The inaccurate claims and higher prices make it difficult for those with skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis to find affordable, non-irritating, and safe moisturizers.

A release from Northwestern explains that the study examined the ingredients and performance of the top 100 best-selling, whole-body moisturizers at Amazon, Target, and Wal-Mart to determine the best consumer products based on affordability and how well they moisturized without causing a skin allergy.

Dermatologists have a responsibility to base their endorsements of moisturizers on evidence, especially if it leads to a higher price, said first author Steve Xu. This research will help dermatologists better understand the science behind moisturizers so they can more efficiently guide patients toward what they like, what is safe, and what is affordable.

Nearly half (45 percent) of the products in the study that claimed to be “fragrance free” actually had a fragrance cross reactor or botanical ingredient. The study found that the vast majority (83 percent) of products with “hypoallergenic” labels included a potentially allergenic chemical. Products that included a “dermatologist-recommended” label had a median price of $0.20 more per ounce than those that did not have the label.

The release quotes Xu, a resident physician in dermatology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, as saying, “We looked into what it means to be ‘dermatologist-recommended,’ and it doesn’t mean much because it could be three dermatologists recommending it or 1,000.”

Products currently on the market that are free of typical skin allergens include white petroleum jelly, certain coconut oils that are cold-pressed and not refined, Vanicream’s hypoallergenic products and Aveeno Eczema Therapy moisturizing cream, according to Xu.

Moisturizers are a great solution for patients with skin disorders because they retain moisture in the skin, reduce inflammation, help prevent infection, are widely available and are largely affordable, Xu said. But it’s important to know if the ingredients contain allergens, which can be difficult because manufacturers do not have to list every chemical in their products if they are a fragrance. And the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has limited authority over cosmetics, Xu added.

But more labeling is not going to be enough.

“If manufacturers did list all the ingredients, their labels would be 75 pages,” Xu said. “As it stands now, patients have a challenging time making an informed decision by glancing at the back of the bottle. Our study highlights that and aims to make that search easier on consumers by informing dermatologists.”

The researchers looked for the presence of ingredients represented in the North American Contact Dermatitis Group (NACDG), which determines if a product contains typical skin allergens such as fragrance mix, parabens or tocopherol. Only 12 percent of the best-selling moisturizers were free of NACDG allergens.

The top three most affordable moisturizers in the study that were free of NACDG ingredients were Ivory raw unrefined shea butter, Vaseline original petroleum jelly and Smellgood African shea butter.

“There’s a huge loophole relating to fragrances, which is the number one cause of skin allergies related to cosmetics,” Xu said.

Often the products claiming to be “fragrance free” contained a fragrance cross reactor or a botanical ingredient, which can lead to an allergic reaction in some consumers.

“The more we know about the science behind moisturizers, the better we can guide our patients to what they like, what is safe and what is affordable,” Xu said.

Dermatologists like to prescribe ointments because evidence has shown the thickness of an ointment effectively hydrates and protects the skin better than any lotion, cream, butter or oil, Xu said. But he said, “The worst moisturizer is the one the patient won’t use.”

The most popular moisturizers, according to the study, were lotions (59 percent), followed by creams (13 percent), oils (12 percent), butters (8 percent) and ointments (2 percent).

“We could recommend a moisturizer that has no allergy risk and is affordable and effective, but if the patient doesn’t like it, it’s a wasted recommendation,” Xu said. “We need to program into our minds to think differently and strike that fine balance between safe ingredients and user preference.”

Dr. Jonathan Silverberg, assistant professor of dermatology and preventive medicine at Feinberg, a practicing dermatologist at Northwestern Medicine and founder and director of Northwestern Medicine’s Multidisciplinary Eczema Center, is senior author on the paper. Michael Kwa, a third-year medical student at Feinberg, is a co-author on the study.

What’s so encouraging about these studies is that they are helping us learn more about this skin disease and leading the way to development of more targeted – and effective – treatments.

Researchers have long suspected a combination of genetic and environmental factors as playing a role in eczema, but lack of a comprehensive understanding of the condition has made it difficult to find completely effective treatments.

Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, causes skin to become red, dry and, oftentimes, intolerably itchy – and painful. The disease, which is not contagious, affects as many as 15 million Americans and tends to occur in families. Most eczema patients are infants and children, many of whom eventually outgrow the disease, but some 2 percent to 10 percent of adults suffer from the condition.

Sometimes called the “itch that rashes,” eczema can occur almost anywhere on the body, but most frequently on the neck and the flexures of the arms and legs. In addition to intense itching and sometimes a burning sensation, the condition is characterized by a red rash with bumps that may ooze and become crusty when scratched.

I advise parents of children with a suspicious skin condition and adult patients to see a dermatologist for any rash that does not clear up within a few days. Although eczema is normally more bothersome than dangerous and, in some cases, cosmetically unsightly, the disorder can lead to complications, especially if the irritated skin breaks down and becomes infected or the patient has a weakened immune system or a medical condition like diabetes or cancer.

Although no permanent cure for the condition has yet been found, eczema can be controlled and flare-ups of the disorder minimized with appropriate use of prescribed and over-the-counter topical creams, moisturizers and medications. These can include anti-inflammatory drugs, steroidal creams, antibiotics and anti-itch creams preferably containing pramoxine and menthol.

I also recommend that patients with the disorder:

• Bathe briefly in warm, non-soapy water and apply an emollient to the wet skin to “seal in the moisture.”
• Take short, lukewarm showers or baths and use only a mild, fragrance-free soap or body wash to prevent dry skin.
• Refrain from heavy exercise during flare-ups of the condition because sweating only further irritates the rash.
• Apply a nonprescription steroidal cream to the eczematous skin two times to four times daily.  Otherwise, follow the directions of a topical medication prescribed by your dermatologist.
• Limit scratching; the dermatologist can suggest an antihistamine cream or a medication in pill form to counter the itching sensation.

Eczema patients should try to moderate their lifestyle as well by refraining from wearing tight-fitting clothes, practicing relaxation techniques to lower stress levels and avoiding certain foods and other substances that can cause allergic reactions.

Judy Hu, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified physician and a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology
Advanced Dermatology P.C. and the Center for Laser and Cosmetic Surgery (New York & New Jersey) is one of the leading dermatology centers in the nation, offering highly experienced physicians in the fields of cosmetic and laser dermatology as well as plastic surgery and state-of-the-art medical technologies. www.advanceddermatologypc.com.

A release from the university quotes lead author Dr. Aaron Drucker, an assistant professor of dermatology at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and a physician with the Lifespan Physicians Group as saying, “In our study, people who reported having atopic dermatitis  (AD) were not at any increased risk for high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, heart attack or stroke.”

The release notes that Drucker and a team of co-authors made the findings by analyzing the records of 259,119 adults aged 30-74 in the Canadian Partnership for Tomorrow Project. Drucker led the data analysis with the hypothesis, suggested by two recent studies, that people with atopic dermatitis (AD) would be significantly more likely to have various cardiovascular problems.

             |  Instead, he found that the opposite was the case.

A diagnosis of AD was associated with somewhat reduced risk of stroke (0.79 times the odds), high blood pressure (0.87 times), diabetes (0.78 times) and heart attack (0.87 times). Drucker emphasized, however, that he does not believe that AD is protective — given the mixed evidence accumulated by researchers, the best conclusion is that AD is likely not positively associated with cardiovascular disease.

“It’s important to make this clear so it doesn’t get misinterpreted: Even though we found lower rates of these outcomes with atopic dermatitis, we are not interpreting that as atopic dermatitis decreasing the risk,” he said.

The findings are based on a statistical analysis that accounted for confounders including age, gender, ethnic background, body-mass index, smoking, alcohol consumption, sleep, physical activity and asthma.

The suspicion that AD might be associated with cardiovascular disease has likely arisen from the better-substantiated association researchers have found between the skin condition psoriasis and cardiovascular disease,

Drucker said. But while the two inflammatory skin ailments share some clinical similarities, he said, they work differently at the molecular level, which might explain why only one may be associated with cardiovascular disease.

“In response to the increased risk of cardiovascular disease discovered for psoriasis, clinicians and psoriasis patients have been encouraged to more actively screen for and manage cardiovascular disease,” Drucker said. “It appears that similar measures may not be warranted for atopic dermatitis.”

Drucker acknowledged that the study could not answer the question of whether AD severity might correlate with cardiovascular disease. He said he is pursuing that question in new research, though there is a paucity of datasets that include both severity information and cardiovascular disease diagnoses.

The paper’s other authors include Dr. Abrar Qureshi, Trevor Dummer, Louise Parker and WenQing Li. Brown University’s Department of Dermatology provided funding for the study.

“There are many reasons for hand rashes,” said Melissa Piliang, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. “The most common cause is eczema, but some hand rashes may have an allergic cause. Sometimes, an allergy can develop after years of touching the same things daily without a problem, like your wedding ring, skin care products or foods such as fish, garlic or citrus fruits.”

To help prevent a hand rash, Dr. Piliang recommends the following tips:

1. Wear task-appropriate, protective gloves. Harsh chemicals, such as dyes and detergents, and even water can irritate your skin and cause a hand rash. To protect your hands, wear gloves while gardening or doing housework. Remember to replace gloves that develop a hole, and never wear wet gloves.
2. Wear warm gloves in cold temperatures. Cold weather can be very drying to your hands, making it a good idea to wear warm, insulated gloves or mittens outdoors.
3. Wash your hands without irritating them. Since soap and water can remove oils from your skin, wash your hands with warm water and a mild cleanser, such as a beauty bar or moisturizing liquid.
4. Apply moisturizer often and generously. Apply it immediately after washing your hands and multiple times throughout the day. For the best results, use a product that contains glycerin or petrolatum.

“Thousands of things can cause a hand rash, yet most hand rashes look a lot alike to the untrained eye,” said Dr. Piliang. “If you get a hand rash, see a board-certified dermatologist to help identify the cause and prevent it from becoming painful or disabling.”

Treatment plans for hand rashes may include a non-prescription cream or lotion or prescription medication. If a dermatologist suspects that an allergy is the cause, he or she may recommend an allergy skin test called patch testing.

These tips are demonstrated in “How to Prevent and Treat Hand Rashes,” a video posted to the AAD website and YouTube channel. This video is part of the AAD’s “Video of the Month” series, which offers tips people can use to properly care for their skin, hair and nails. A new video in the series posts to the AAD website and YouTube channel

Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 18,000 physicians worldwide, the AAD is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the AAD at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or aad.org. Follow the AAD on Facebook (American Academy of Dermatology), Twitter (@AADskin), or YouTube (AcademyofDermatology).

Although one solution to a nickel allergy is obvious – avoid objects containing nickel – that’s not as easy as it sounds. The AAD says that nickel is present in many household items.

To avoid exposure and reduce symptoms, the AAD recommends that you:

Choose jewelry carefully. The AAD says that earrings, earring backs and watches are some of the biggest culprits. But, they emphasize, necklaces, rings and bracelets containing nickel can also trigger symptoms. They suggest wearing only jewelry that is hypoallergenic, or made from metals such as surgical-grade stainless steel, 18-, 22-, or 24-karat yellow gold, pure sterling silver, or platinum. As for watchbands, they say, choose leather, cloth or plastic.

Check your clothing. Nickel is commonly found in belt buckles, bra hooks, and metal buttons, zippers and snaps. If your clothing has these, the AAD recommends replacing them with ones that are plastic or plastic-coated. You can also create a barrier between these items and your skin by coating the items with clear nail polish. But, the AAD experts say, the nail polish will need to be re-applied often.

Cover electronics. According to recent reports, the AAD says, some electronic devices, including cell phones, laptops, and tablets, may contain nickel. Always use a protective cover on your electronic devices.

Substitute household objects containing nickel with objects made of other materials. The AAD suggests replacing items with nickel in favor of these: brass keys, titanium-coated or stainless steel razors, pots and pans with silicone handles, and titanium or plastic eyeglass frames.

Avoid foods containing nickel. The AAD says that foods high in nickel include soy products—such as soybeans, soy sauce, and tofu—licorice, buckwheat, cocoa powder, clams, cashews, and figs.

Rashes caused by a nickel allergy are not life-threatening, but they can be uncomfortable. If you think you have an allergy, or if you have a rash that blisters, becomes infected, or comes and goes, see a board-certified dermatologist for the proper diagnosis.

For more information on skin issues, visit the AAD’s website. Click here.

Here, the AAD offers some strategies for dealing with dry skin:

1. Prevent baths and showers from making dry skin worse. If you’re got dry skin, be sure to limit your time in the shower or bath to five or ten minutes; use warm, not hot, water; wash with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser; apply enough cleanser to remove dirt and oil, but avoid using so much that you see a thick lather; and blot your skin gently dry with a towel.

2. Apply moisturizer immediately after washing. Ointments, creams, and lotions (moisturizers) work by trapping existing moisture in your skin. To trap this much-needed moisture, you need to apply a moisturizer within few minutes of drying off after a shower or bath; or washing your face or hands.

3. Use an ointment or cream rather than a lotion, the AAD says. Ointments and creams are more effective and less irritating than lotions. Look for a cream or ointment that contains an oil such as olive oil or jojoba oil. Shea butter also works well. Other ingredients that help to soothe dry skin include lactic acid, urea, hyaluronic acid, dimethicone, glycerin, lanolin, mineral oil, and petrolatum. The AAD experts suggest that you carry a non-greasy hand cream with you, and apply it after each hand washing. This will greatly help relieve dry skin.

4. Wear a lip balm that feels good on your lips. Some healing lip balms can actually irritate your lips. If your lips sting or tingle after you apply the lip balm, switch to one that doesn’t.

5. Use only gentle, unscented skin care products. Some skin care products are too harsh for dry, sensitive skin. When your skin is dry, the AAD says, stop using deodorant soaps; and skin-care products that contain alcohol, fragrance, retinoids, or alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Avoiding these products will help your skin retain its natural oils.

6. Wear gloves. Our hands are often the first place we notice dry skin, the AAD experts say. You can reduce dry, raw skin by wearing gloves. Be sure to put gloves on before you go outdoors in winter; perform tasks that get your hands wet; or have grease, chemicals or other substances on your hands.

7. Choose non-irritating clothes and laundry detergent. When our skin is dry and raw even clothes and laundry detergent can be irritating. Wear cotton or silk under your any clothing made of wool or another material that feels rough, and use laundry detergent labeled “hypoallergenic.”

8. Stay warm without cozying up to a fireplace or other heat source. Sitting in front of an open flame or other heat source can dry your skin.

9. Add moisture to the air. Plug in a humidifier. If you can check your home heating system, find out if you have a humidifier on the system — and whether it’s working.

When to see a dermatologist

Your skin should start to feel better quickly, the AAD says. But If these changes do not bring relief, you may want to see a dermatologist. Very dry skin can require a prescription ointment or cream. Dry skin also can be a sign of a skin condition that needs treatment.

For more information on skin care, visit www.aad.org.

Professor Ryusuke Kakigi and his colleague focused on the phenomenon whereby the sensation of pain is inhibited by noninvasive stimulation of the sensorimotor area of the cerebral cortex, and evaluated the possibility of similar inhibitory effects of this method on an itching sensation. As brain stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), which controls the excitation and inhibition of the cerebral cortex by delivering a low current, was used. As a result, tDCS for 15 minutes reduced histamine-induced itching, and shortened its duration. This is the first study in which the inhibitory effects of cerebral cortex stimulation on itching were evaluated. The results of this study are expected to contribute to the development of novel methods to inhibit itching in the future.