I get red dry spots and very ichy on my legs and arms. but only in cold weather .
Answer -------------------
The most common cause of this is from small cracks in the skin and then your body reacts with an inflammatory response (redness) and release of chemicals that cause itching. This is more common in winter because of low humidity in heated buildings and homes. It is also more common in some individuals than others. Those who have a real predisposition to irritated eczematous skin (redness, fissures, weeping, itching) may also have allergies/hayfever and a family history of eczema. This would put them in a category of patients who are called atopic and they might have atopic dermatitis (atopic eczema).
Note: this is not a diagnosis of YOUR condtion, since I cannot do that without seeing you. However, common eczema can often be helped by steroid creams (like hydrocortisone, but the prescription versions really do give you more bang for your buck) and frequent use of mosturizers and avoidance of irritante (e.g. harsh, drying soaps). Good luck
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Dermatology Online: Served by Eliot N. Mostow, MD, MPH
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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