Winter Skin Disorders: Causes, Treatment, And Prevention

January 21, 2020     

Winter is here and with that comes the typical complaints – from small cases of sniffles to full flu. People who live in areas with seasonal weather changes can experience dry and itchy rashes in the winter months.

Other things are suitable for winter that is dry skin. Although it can occur in any season, it is known to occur more frequently in the winter months.

Hot air from the heater can dry out and irritate the skin of the face, hands and feet. It is also not an easy task to keep your skin healthy this winter, especially if you have been faced with a condition or skin disease.

Winter rash refers to skin that is very dry or dehydrated in winter. The causes are cold temperatures, low humidity and the use of central heating.

Dry skin (also called xerosis) is usually not severe but can be painful. Severe cases can cause pain or discomfort; it can feel itchy, red and scaly more often, and produce small cracks in the skin. To relieve this winter, you should know the following about dry skin.

In winter, most people are involved in preventing colds and flu. However, you also have to make sure that your skin is healthy because dry and irritated skin can cause winter conditions such as rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, and Raynaud’s disease.”

You may already have a strategy for treating your skin in the spring, summer and fall. However, this strategy might not function when stacked against extreme winter. When the temperature drops below freezing, the skin becomes very tortured. People can take steps to avoid winter skin disorders. Read on to find out how skin disorders will most likely be affected, symptoms: treatment, and prevention.
Winter Skin Disorders:

The following skin diseases are very vulnerable and flare-ups in winter. Take precautions by following your treatment regimen to reduce the risk of recurrence.

• Rosacea: Rosacea is a long-term skin disorder that causes blushing, enlarged blood vessels in the face, and swelling and pustules. Even doctors don’t know exactly why cold weather triggers many diseases.
• Eczema: People with eczema suffer from red, itchy skin, which can become thicker and bleed when they are scratched. It can appear throughout the body and often worsens when the skin dries in winter.
• Psoriasis: In psoriasis, skin cells multiply up to 10 times faster than usual. When these cells reach the surface of the skin and die, they cause an increase in red plaque, most often on the knees, elbows, and scalp. Dry, cold air and reduced solar rays in winter can worsen the condition.
• Raynaud’s disease: If you suffer from Raynaud’s disease, the small arteries that send blood to your skin narrow and limit blood flow to the affected area. This can make the surface of your fingers and toes feel cold and numb, change colour, and cause intense pain. Cold air is the main trigger for Raynaud’s symptoms.
• Cold urticaria: This rare skin condition causes lumps that are swollen, itchy, called hives forms after exposure to the cold. Some people develop itching after swimming in cold water, while others are sensitive to cold air. The rash is temporary and lasts 1-2 hours after exposure to cold.

Dermatitis: It applies to any inflammation of the skin. Dermatitis causes the formation of dry and itchy spots. It may be due to poor circulation or exposure to heavy chemicals, allergens, or infections.

Causes Of Winter Skin Disorder:

The outer layer of skin contains natural oils and dead skin cells that hold water in the skin. It helps keep your skin soft, hydrated and smooth.

Hot and cold temperatures can affect the condition of your skin. Cold air, low humidity and strong outside winds remove your skin from the much-needed moisture. The same applies to turning on the heater in the room. This harsh condition makes your skin loses its natural oils. It allows moisture to come out, which causes dry skin and possible rashes in winter. Reasons for skin disorders in winter:

• Weather: In winter, the skin is more dehydrated when temperature and humidity drop. But the season might not be a problem if you live in a desert area.
• Heat: Central heating, wood stoves, heaters and fireplaces reduce moisture and dry your skin
• Hot baths and showers: If you take a hot shower or take a long shower, your skin can dry out. Swim so often, especially in ponds with high chlorine levels.
• Harsh soaps and detergents: Many popular soaps, cleansers, and shampoos remove moisture from your skin because they formulated to remove oil.
• Other skin conditions: People with skin diseases such as neurodermatitis (eczema) or psoriasis tend to dry the skin.

Other possible causes of a winter skin rash include:

• Sensitivity to antibacterial soaps, deodorizing soaps, detergents, or other chemicals
• Skin conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema
• A bacterial infection
• A viral infection
• A latex allergy
• Stress
• Fatigue

Symptoms Of Winter Skin Disorder:

Winter rashes can spread throughout the body or only attack certain areas, usually the arms or hands, because they get exposed to colder temperatures than other areas of the body.

Symptoms of a winter rash include:

• Redness
• Itching
• Rough or scaly patches
• Bumps or blisters
• Flaking
• Inflammation

Diagnosing a Winter Rash:
Your doctor can often diagnose a winter rash during a physical examination. A doctor will examine your symptoms and medical history to determine the cause of your outbreak and prescribe treatments.

Treatment For a Winter Rash:

• Moisturizers: Are often the first line of defence against winter rashes because they block moisture from your skin. Apply a moisturizer several times a day, especially immediately after bathing and washing your hands.
• Vaseline: Also acts as a barrier to close the moisture in your skin. If you don’t like the idea of using petroleum products, you should try using oil substitutes such as Waxelene or Un-Petroleum, which also prevents moisture loss.
• Natural oils like olive oil and coconut oil can soothe irritated skin and restore moisture. Apply to the skin if necessary.
• Vegetable shortening is another popular traditional remedy for dry skin because the reliable oil content helps restore moisture — Slaughter after bathing or before going to sleep.
• Bathing with milk can help relieve your itchy skin. Dip a clean cloth in pure milk and spread it on the affected area or soak it in warm water with milk you have added for about 10 minutes.
• Topical soothning and anti inflammatory cream can help reduce redness, itching, and inflammation of the skin. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions or use it according to your doctor’s instructions.

Most winter rashes improve with lifestyle, home remedies, and OTC changes, and others can continue or get worse. Scratches can cause your skin to break and bleed. This gives the bacteria a perfect opening and carries the risk of infection.
When To See A Doctor:
Most dry skin cases respond well to lifestyle and home remedies. Ask your doctor if:

• Despite your best efforts, your skin does not improve
• Dry skin with redness
• Dryness and itching affect sleep
• You have an open wound or initial infection
• They have a large area of scaling or peeling skin

Prevention OF Winter Skin Rashes:
You can prevent winter rashes by using moisturised soaps and applying good amount of moisturiser along with sunscreen to your face and neck.
By improving skincare and lifestyle habits, winter outbreaks can be avoided.

Winter skincare tips:

• The use of non-foaming cleaning agents and body wash
• Moisturize several times a day, especially after bathing or showering
• Do not bathe or soak in hot water
• Use sunscreen on the face and neck
• Use serum or oil that contains antioxidants to help relieve inflammation
• Avoid skin care products that contain heavy chemicals, alcohol, and fragrances

Lifestyle changes that can help prevent winter rashes include:

• Use a humidifier
• Use medium central heating
• Stay hydrated
• Wear gloves when you travel
• Avoid direct sunlight for a long time

Conclusion:

If you have one of these skin conditions, your best strategy is to avoid the conditions that cause the symptoms. Try to keep your skin warm and moist and avoid extreme temperature changes. It is also a good idea to moisten the air in the room with a moisturizer to protect your skin from dryness.

Even though you are very familiar with treating your skin condition and avoiding conditions that worsen it, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor for help. Winter adds another level of complexity in treating skin conditions.

A doctor can help you develop strategies to reduce the risk of acne. Winter rashes occur when skin loses too much moisture from cold and dry air. Rashes can include itching, inflammation, and spotting scaly on the skin. Some winter rashes only affect certain areas such as the arms and hands, while others can spread throughout the body. People with skin conditions such as dermatitis or psoriasis can have worse symptoms in winter.

Regular hydration and investing in a moisturizer can help prevent winter outbreaks. Use natural oils to treat skin and retain moisture.

Contact a Cosmosure Clinic doctor if the winter rash worsens or does not respond to treatment at home. Persistent dry skin can indicate different primary conditions If you’ve tried this tactic for a week and nothing has changed, make an appointment with a dermatologist at Cosmosure Clinic at 040 4953 0404. You should also see a doctor if itchy skin keeps you awake at night or if your skin starts bleeding to make sure nothing is more dangerous.

About Cosmosure Clinic:

‘CosmoSure’ is a renowned Dermatology and Plastic Surgery Clinic in Hyderabad, which is considered to be the meeting point for science & art. Established in the year 2015, CosmoSure, cosmetic surgery clinic has been one of the most preferred cosmetic clinics in Hyderabad. All the procedures at the Cosmosure clinic are a blend of skilled & artistic touch. Our specialists are trained with in-depth knowledge of aesthetic science and symmetry to help individuals to improve their skin health.