Cause

• Causes of skin irritation include include allergic reactions, abrasion, infection, and genetic diseases. Treatments generally should correspond with the cause. Using an anti-inflammatory skin cream designed for treatment of a contact rash, for example, will not alleviate symptoms caused by an infection.
  
  Once you have determined what is causing the irritation, you can plan a course of action. If your irritation is clearly more serious than something as basic as dry skin, consult a dermatologist about oral medications, creams and treatments such as light therapy. Do not try to diagnose the problem yourself. With the doctor's help, you can determine the cause and the appropriate treatment.
  
  

Diet

• Make sure you are eating right. Although many people think of the heart, lungs, or kidneys when they hear the words "body organ," the skin is an organ, too. In fact, it is the largest organ in the body. Like other organs, it requires sufficient nutrients, vitamins and minerals to stay healthy.
  
  If you don't drink enough water, your skin can turn dry and chapped. Besides drinking plenty of fluids, eat raw fruits and vegetables, which contain vitamins E and C and promote skin health.
  
  

Products

• Supplement doctor-recommended treatments with lotions that contain vitamin E and aloe. Other products are available by prescription, such as ultra violet light therapy lamps for treating acne and psoriasis.
  
  If your skin irritation is caused by an allergic reaction, you may not need to use a product at all; you may be able to treat the irritation simply by avoiding contact with the allergen (for example, using non-latex gloves). If the skin irritation is caused by genes, products may alleviate symptoms, but they will not cure the cause.
  
  

Other Tips

• The skin is very sensitive. It can be affected by exposure to sunlight, abrasive ingredients in products such as detergent, exposure to cold and heat, and trauma. Avoid activities where skin damage can result, such as excessive time in a tanning machine. Use skin care and other products only as directed.