Ann Pietrangelo is a freelance writer, health reporter, and author.

Renita White, MD, FACOG, is a board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist. She practices at Georgia Obstetrics and Gynecology, and cares for women all over the metro Atlanta area in Georgia.

Menopause itself doesn't cause a rash. However, it creates a decline in estrogen, which can lead to dry, itchy skin.

Menopause is reached when you have had 12 consecutive months without a menstrual cycle. You'll probably notice changes well before that, during what's known as perimenopause, which can start two to eight years earlier.

This article explores menopausal rash, itching, and other skin conditions that can happen during this phase of life.

Tharakorn Arunothai / EyeEm / Getty Images

Estrogen is vital to healthy skin. It stimulates the production of substances such as oil and collagen, which keep skin hydrated and supple. As you start to approach menopause, estrogen levels begin dropping. This can affect the skin in various ways, including:

Around the time of menopause, the skin's pH level changes. Menopause can leave the skin more sensitive, easily irritated, and prone to rashes. Symptoms may worsen if you already have a skin condition, such as eczema or rosacea. A menopause-related rash may cause:

Since you lose estrogen and collagen during menopause, your skin has less protection than it used to. You're more likely to develop various types of rashes and skin conditions.

Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a chronic condition characterized by inflammation, redness, and itching. It usually starts in childhood, but you can get it at any age.

Symptoms of contact dermatitis include itching, burning, and blistering. It can happen when you come into contact with something like a chemical or metal that damages the skin or an allergic reaction, such as after exposure to poison ivy.

Lichen planus is a condition involving swelling and irritation of the skin. Other symptoms may include bumps, blisters, and scales. It can also affect the mouth, nails, and scalp.

Psoriasis is characterized by skin inflammation, but it's a chronic autoimmune disorder. Symptoms can include patches of thick red skin and silvery scales. Psoriasis can also affect the fingernails, toenails, and mouth.

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. Symptoms include redness, rash, and visible blood vessels, typically on the cheeks and nose. Anyone can get rosacea, but it's more common among middle-aged and older adults.

Shingles is a painful rash that usually develops on one side of the face or body. This may include blisters that eventually scab over. It typically clears up within a few weeks to a month. It's caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chicken pox. Once you recover from chicken pox, the virus remains dormant indefinitely. Shingles occur when the virus gets reactivated later in life.

Adults 50 years and older should get two doses of the shingles vaccine to prevent shingles and shingles complications.

Itchy skin is common after menopause. Dryness makes your skin a little more sensitive than usual. It can also make you itch. Unfortunately, scratching can cause you to be even itchier. Menopause can also lead to itchy breasts and vaginal itching.

Aside from conditions that cause a rash, menopause increases the likelihood of a few other skin conditions.

Low estrogen changes the balance of hormones in your system, which can cause some unwanted hair growth. You're most likely to notice stray hairs on your face, especially above the lips, chin, and jawline.

It's natural for skin to get thinner with age, and the hormonal changes of menopause are a contributing factor. It can make your skin fairly transparent, so veins become more visible. Thin skin is more delicate and easier to injure.

Menopause makes it harder for your skin to hold on to water, so it feels drier than it used to. You probably notice this more in the winter months when humidity is low. Dry skin may cause itching, cracking, and flaking.

Age spots are darker areas of skin that tend to show up in areas that get the most sun, such as hands, arms, neck, and face. Age spots are flat, painless, and harmless to your health.

You can't reverse the aging process, but you can take steps to protect your skin and relieve symptoms.

Nutrition is key. A well-balanced diet is the best way to supply your skin with essential nutrients. Among the nutrients that can help protect aging skin are:

Bathing can relieve dry skin, but hot water can strip the skin of natural oils and make matters worse. A few ways to protect your skin when showering are:

There are a few lifestyle factors that you should avoid to promote skin health, which include:

Treatment for dry, itchy skin during menopause includes home remedies and medication. Things you can try at home include:

Herbal supplements can have side effects and interfere with medications, so speak with a healthcare provider first.

A healthcare provider may suggest specific medications, both over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription, which may include:

Many rashes are minor and have no cause for concern, but see a provider if symptoms bother you. These are signs that your rash could be related to a serious condition:

Itchy skin and rash are common in menopause. They happen because the balance of hormones in your body changes. As the skin becomes thinner and drier, it becomes more vulnerable to damage and various skin conditions. Some skin conditions aren't curable, but home remedies and medical treatments may offer some relief.

Menopause is a time of significant physical and emotional change. It's a perfectly natural transition but often shrouded in mystery. If you have questions about what's happening to your body or have unbearable symptoms, make an appointment with a healthcare provider. Get the answers and the help you need.

Skin in menopause looks drier, thinner, and less firm than before menopause. Some people develop dark spots, rough patches, or rashes.

Dry skin and itching are common with menopause. And any preexisting skin conditions may flare up as your hormone levels change.

Keep your skin well hydrated, protect it from sun exposure, and avoid scratching. If you have a condition that affects the skin, stick to your treatment plan. If you're not sure what type of rash you have, it's best to see a healthcare provider.

Zouboulis CC, Blume-Peytavi U, Kosmadaki M, et al. Skin, hair and beyond: the impact of menopause. Climacteric. 2022;0(0):1-9. doi:10.1080/13697137.2022.2050206

Rzepecki AK, Murase JE, Juran R, Fabi SG, McLellan BN. Estrogen-deficient skin: The role of topical therapy. International Journal of Women’s Dermatology. 2019;5(2):85-90. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2019.01.001

American Academy of Dermatology. Caring for your skin in menopause.

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease. Atopic dermatitis.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Psoriasis.

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Rosacea.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Shingles (herpes zoster).

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Shingles vaccination.

National Health Service U.K. Itchy skin.

Michalak M, Pierzak M, Kręcisz B, Suliga E. Bioactive compounds for skin health: a review. Nutrients. 2021;13(1):203. doi:10.3390/nu13010203

American Academy of Dermatology. How to care for your skin in your 60s and 70s.

Ilnytska O, Kaur S, Chon S, et al. Colloidal oatmeal (Avena sativa) improves skin barrier through multi-therapy activity. J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(6):684-690.

Tanaka M, Yamamoto Y, Misawa E, et al. Effects of aloe sterol supplementation on skin elasticity, hydration, and collagen score: a 12-week double-blind, randomized, controlled trial. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2016;29(6):309-317. doi:10.1159/000454718

Song J, Xian D, Yang L, Xiong X, Lai R, Zhong J. Pruritus: progress toward pathogenesis and treatment. BioMed Research International. 2018;2018:1-12. doi:10.1155/2018/9625936

American Academy of Dermatology. Rash 101 in adults. When to seek medical treatment.

By Ann Pietrangelo Ann Pietrangelo is a freelance writer, health reporter, and author of two books about her personal health experiences.

Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.

There was an error. Please try again.

By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.