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Dry skin? Dry hair? Chapped lips? Yes, winter is here! Dry skin is inevitable during winters and if not taken care of it can worsen and give rise to skiing conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, windburn, chilblains, and cold urticaria. Read more about these conditions and how you can prevent them by adopting some simple habits. Connect with the expert dermatologists in Kharadi, Pune at Manipal Hospitals for more information, diagnosis, and treatment of any skin problem.
Common Skin Problems in Winter
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Eczema
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a condition that results in dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. Although it can happen to anyone, it is most common in young children. Although it is not contagious, it can be unpleasant. If not severe, eczema can be treated with regular moisturization, if it is severe the doctor may prescribe a medicated creme.
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Psoriasis
Patients with the autoimmune skin condition psoriasis develop thick, scaly, reddish lesions on their skin and scalp. Winters, which cause dryness, make this disease worse. Shea butter, paraffin, glycerine, and other moisturizing ingredients are helpful, but patients should seek adequate dermatologist treatment as oral and prescription medications are frequently required to relieve the symptoms. To know more about the symptoms, visit our dermatology hospital in Kharadi, Pune.
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Windburn
People who frequently labor outside in the cold winter wind may have skin irritation, which results in dry, red, and burning skin, especially on the face and other exposed parts, resulting in a condition known as "windburn." The best treatment is to adequately protect your skin from chilly winds by donning thick clothes, such as coats, caps, and scarves.
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Chilblains
A reddish or purplish discoloration with pain and itching is known as "perniosis" or popularly referred to as "chilblains" and is caused by the tiny vessels of the extremities, such as fingers and toes, constricting due to the fall in temperature in winter. By keeping these regions warm, using a room warmer, and wearing gloves and socks, these occurrences can be prevented. However, if chill bumps appear, a dermatologist should be consulted right once.
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Cold Urticaria
An allergic skin reaction is known as urticaria, or "hives," causes people to develop red, itchy welts on their skin in response to certain environmental antigens. Numerous factors, including cold weather, which can cause "cold urticaria," can cause an urticarial reaction in the body. Avoiding exposure to the cold and using medications like antihistaminics are part of the treatment.
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Chapped Lips
Lips have a relatively thin layer of skin, so they cannot be mostly covered like other body parts. As a result, during the winter they may become particularly dry, cracking, and exfoliating in the form of crusts. People frequently lick their lips to moisten them or peel off the crust, both of which worsen the problem. It typically helps to apply several lip balms with glycerin, petroleum jelly, silicone, and aloe vera several times.
Effective Winter Skin Care Tips by Dermatologists
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Moisturise Regularly
It's possible that the skincare products you use in the steamy summer won't be effective on your skin in the colder months. Change to a thick, cream-based moisturiser if you typically use a lotion or gel. Your skin will be soothed and inflammation will be avoided.
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Opt for Gentle Cleansers
If your face feels tight and dry after washing during the winter, you may need to switch your cleanser. You need a softer, more hydrating, weakly acidic cleanser that balances the pH levels of your skin without drying it off.
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Make your Feet and Hands Happy
Compared to the skin on any other area of your body, the skin on your hands has fewer oil glands and is exposed to harsh weather. This makes it prone to developing cracks and itching. Before going outside, moisturize your skin. To hydrate your feet, pick petroleum jelly and lotions with glycerin as the foundation. You may also exfoliate your feet once a week so that the skin can easily absorb moisturizer.
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Don’t Forget Sunscreen
If you are going outside in the winter, you need to protect your skin from the wind, snow, and rain. If possible, wear gloves, and a cap, and don't forget to apply sunscreen. Although the warm sunbeams are pleasant to the touch, the UV rays can nevertheless cause serious skin harm. Pick a sunscreen that has zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. To know more, consult with our top dermatologists in Kharadi, Pune.
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Stay Hydrated and Eat Right
In order to keep the body's water content stable and increase sebum production, it's crucial to maintain a balanced diet. Vitamin E, A, and C-rich meals can help maintain healthy skin.
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Purchase a Humidifier
When indoor heating is turned up in the winter, humidifiers can be extremely beneficial in replenishing moisture in the air. Moisture in the air also prevents the skin from drying, hence investing in a humidifier is a wise decision.
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Wear Loose Clothes
Wearing tight clothing can aggravate dry skin in the cold. To prevent discomfort, dress comfortably, you may try wearing soft and natural fabrics and ensure that they are not skin-hugging as they might irritate the skin. Give your skin some breathing space!
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Don’t Overexfoliate
exfoliating the skin twice a week is enough. The blood flow to your skin will be increased by gently massaging in circular motions as you do this. It will look bright and healthy as a result. Don't scrub excessively. The barrier that protects your skin might be damaged by vigorous scrubbing.
While all these listed above are many at-home treatments for dry skin, it's vital to consult a dermatologist or healthcare professional if your symptoms worsen or don't go away. In such cases, the doctor will prescribe over-the-counter medications tailored specifically to your symptoms. Book an appointment to discuss your skincare regimen with our renowned dermatologists in Kharadi, Pune. Count on the dermatology department at Manipal Hospitals for all clinical and cosmetic procedures.
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