Symptom: Dry, itchy skin. Photo by Fuse/Getty Images. What it might mean: It's probably winter itch, skin dryness that's a result of cold, dry air. Using a humidifier, avoiding super hot showers, and routinely slathering on a thick moisturizer will help keep skin supple.
But Death Valley is affected by several of the main causes of heat waves - the frequent presence of a high pressure system (helped by its below sea level elevation), downslope air movement from surrounding mountains, and radiation of heat from the surrounding cliffs.
Prickly heat is another form of contact rash that is caused by wearing tight fitting clothing, or too many layers, which does not allow the skin to breathe. Sunburn or excessive use of artificial sunlamps or sunbeds can also cause a heat rash.