My skin has become very dry, irritated, and has developed white patches. What oils, moisturizers, or medical creams should I use to treat this?
These symptoms are very common and highly treatable. Dry, irritated skin with white patches is often caused by eczema (such as pityriasis alba) or a mild, harmless fungal infection. To soothe your skin, I recommend:\n- Moisturizers: Use thick, fragrance-free creams containing ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or colloidal oatmeal to repair the skin barrier. Oils: Apply pure coconut oil or jojoba oil to damp skin to lock in moisture. Medical Creams: A mild hydrocortisone cream (1%) can reduce irritation, while a generic antifungal cream like clotrimazole can help if a fungus is the cause.\n\nAvoid hot water and harsh soaps. Please consult a dermatologist for a precise diagnosis.