Winter can be harsh on many people's skin. They may have cracked, dry, and itchy skin as a result of the low humidity in the air during the winter months. Patients with dry skin should moisturize daily to keep their skin hydrated during this time of year to avoid itching and redness. You can, however, consult a dermatologist, such as Dr Hera Tabassum, a skin doctor in Roorkee, for advice on the best products and routines to keep your skin healthy all year!
Types of Winter Skin Issues and Solutions
1. Dry and itchy nose
In the winter, you can't stop scratching your nose. One of the most vexing winter problems is a dry, itchy nose. Try these simple home remedies to avoid the discomfort of a dry and irritated nose.
Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated at all times. You may not feel thirsty during the winter, but staying hydrated is critical to avoiding dry skin. Avoid sugary beverages, which can contribute to nasal dryness.
- You could try an over-the-counter saline nasal spray or drops if it's too irritating.
- Treat yourself to a warm, steaming bath. However, don't spend too much time in the bath because long hot baths can dry your nose even more.
- Use a humidifier to maintain the moisture level in your room.
- When you notice dryness, apply a water-based moisturizer to both nostrils.
2. Lips Chapped
Chapped lips can occur during the winter due to low air humidity levels. Anyone with dry skin can develop chapped lips. However, your chances increase if you take vitamin A supplements, retinoids, lithium, or chemotherapy drugs.
- Applying lip balm or glycerin throughout the day is the simplest way to care for chapped lips.
- Drink plenty of water and keep a humidifier at home.
- While going out, use an SPF lip balm.
3. Crying
Chafing is a common skin condition that can occur for various reasons, including the inner thighs rubbing together. Chafing can also occur in the winter when the air is dry.
It happens when the skin's epidermis, or outer layer, is repeatedly rubbed, causing damage and exposing the lower dermis layer. The skin becomes irritated and uncomfortable when the dermis is exposed. Chafing is the medical term for this condition.
If you have chafed skin, keep it clean by showering at least once daily in warm water. To reduce the risk of bacterial infection, clean the area with soap.
- After washing, pat the area dry. Make sure that no water remains on the skin.
- Apply a moisturizer and massage it in smoothly to help it absorb.
- A barrier cream or medicated powder can also help the skin heal faster.
4. Itchy and dry patches
Dry, itchy patches may not appear to be a severe problem. However, it can be excruciatingly painful. Scales, redness, and itching with small cracks in the skin are the most common symptoms of dry and itchy skin.
Minor lifestyle changes can cure and prevent dry, itchy skin. Begin by applying a thick moisturizer.
- Bathe in warm water.
- Apply a moisturizer before going to bed.
- Instead of using harsh soaps, use moisturizing ones.
- After a bath, pat dry and apply moisturizer while the skin is still damp.
5. Split Heels
With a bit of care, you can take good care of your cracked heels.
Gel socks or socks with medicated cream can help keep your heels moisturized.
Scrub the cracked heels gently with a loofah or pumice stone to remove the dead cells.
Before bed, apply rich foot creams, butter, natural oils, or moisturizer. It will allow the cream to absorb and moisturize the heels.
Itching and flaking of the brows
The brows, like the scalp, can develop itchy and flaky patches. It is primarily caused by a skin condition known as seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis worsens in the winter, though the exact cause is unknown.
- You can reduce the itchiness around the brows by using an anti-itch cream.
- Keeping your brows moisturized can also help to alleviate itchiness.
- You can relieve itching by applying a cool compress for 15-30 minutes.
- Antihistamine medications can also provide relief from itching.
UV Staining
UVB rays are the most common cause of sunburn [2], particularly at high altitudes and on reflective surfaces such as snow. Because snow reflects 80% of UV light, you are exposed to UVB rays twice. It causes additional skin damage.
- Covering up all exposed body parts is the best way to protect yourself from UV damage.
- When going out in the snow, wear face-covering sunglasses.
- Wear a hat that keeps you warm while shielding your face from UV rays.
Irritation and Skin Redness
Irritation and skin redness can occur for various reasons, including exposure to cold winter weather. The skin loses its natural moisture and oil when exposed to cold air, leaving it dry. If untreated, it can cause irritation and redness.
- Winter rash is easily treated at home.
- To soothe the skin, apply numerous moisturizers all over it.
- Natural oils such as coconut and almond oil can lock in the skin's natural hydration.
- Use a humidifier to keep the air in your home moist.
- If the irritation persists, consult your dermatologist.
How can you avoid having dry, itchy skin in the winter?
Dr Hera Tabassum will make several recommendations for people with itchy, red skin. Some of the ideas we have are as follows:
Take short, hot showers instead. They may feel refreshing, but they can irritate and dry the skin. Instead, take a short, lukewarm shower or bath. Don't dry your skin as soon as you get out. Before dressing, apply a moisturizer to lock in moisture.
Keep dry air at bay. Dry skin is exacerbated in the winter by dry air with no humidity. Those trapped indoors with heated air should consider installing a humidifier in their main living areas. It will keep the throat and nose from becoming dry.
Avoid being exposed to cold air or wind. Protect your skin by wearing hats, gloves, and scarves if you're visiting a cooler climate.
During the winter, avoid tanning. It permanently damages the skin and increases the risk of developing skin cancer. Because self-tanners can dry out your skin, use them with extra moisturizer to keep your summer glow.
Vitamin D should be added to your diet. Your body produces natural vitamin D from sun exposure during the summer months. However, as winter approaches, that production decreases. Vitamin supplements can help you get the recommended amount of vitamin D all year.
What if your skin isn't just dry?
Some skin conditions worsen during the winter. At first glance, the most common skin conditions, psoriasis and eczema, can be mistaken for dry skin.
Eczema is a group of skin conditions characterized by red, itchy, and inflamed skin. There are numerous causes, but dry, cold air can precipitate flare-ups.
Psoriasis symptoms are similar to those of eczema. On the other hand, Psoriasis patients may have silvery, scaly patches and thicker, more inflamed skin.
Cold temperatures do not exacerbate these two conditions. On the other hand, cold air is characterized by a lack of humidity.
Skin Specialist in Roorkee
Dr Hera Tabassum is the best dermatologist in Roorkee. She has extensive dermatology experience and has good hands for skin procedures and hair specialist in Roorkee.
