What should you know about winter rash?

Cold air contains less moisture, while indoor heating can dry the skin further. Cracking of the outer barrier may cause roughness, redness, scaling and itch, especially on the hands, arms, legs and face. Wool, fragranced products, hot showers and frequent washing can add irritation. A winter rash is a symptom pattern rather than a single diagnosis; eczema such as Atopic Dermatitis, Contact Dermatitis, Psoriasis, Ringworm or Scabies can look similar, while Heat Rash and Intertrigo have different triggers.

Use a fragrance-free cream or ointment soon after bathing and reapply when the skin feels tight. Keep showers brief and comfortably warm, choose a gentle cleanser, and pat rather than rub dry. Wear soft layers next to the skin, protect hands outdoors and avoid scratching; trimmed nails reduce skin breaks. If a new product, medicine or fabric preceded the rash, record the timing and stop a suspected non-essential irritant while arranging advice. A clinician may need to examine scale, borders, distribution and any cracks before recommending targeted treatment.

Seek prompt medical care for rapidly spreading redness, marked warmth, severe pain, pus, fever, facial swelling, breathing difficulty or a rash involving the eyes or mouth. Arrange an appointment when symptoms keep returning, disturb sleep, crack and bleed, or fail to improve with gentle moisturising. A rash after a new medicine needs timely advice, especially if blisters, skin peeling or mouth sores develop.

Could this be eczema, an allergy, infection or another condition? Which moisturiser and cleanser suit my skin? Should I avoid a particular fabric or product? What changes would mean I should contact you sooner?