Did you know that cold weather, low humidity, and indoor heating can severely dry out the skin, triggering eczema flare-ups, worsening psoriasis, and increasing overall dryness during winter? Seasonal
changes can have a significant impact on skin health, making it essential to take preventive measures. Here, an expert shares important tips to help prevent flare-ups during winter and protect your skin. Staying in regular touch with a dermatologist can also help you make informed decisions about your skin health.
Dr Shareefa Chause, Dermatologist, Mumbai, shares what you need to know.
Winter can quickly turn from a pleasant season into a challenging one for people with sensitive skin conditions. Skin problems are particularly common during colder months and can significantly affect quality of life. Winter weather can be harsh on skin health, especially for individuals diagnosed with eczema, psoriasis, and chronic dry skin.
During winter, the air holds less moisture, which leads to increased water loss from the skin. This strips away natural oils, weakens the skin barrier, and makes the skin more sensitive and inflamed. As a result, many people experience symptoms such as itching, redness, scaling, and frequent flare-ups. Reduced sun exposure during winter can also worsen psoriasis, as sunlight helps slow excessive skin cell growth. Those with eczema and psoriasis may experience severe dryness, itching, cracked skin, flaking, redness, and painful fissures during this time.
It is always better to be proactive and follow expert-recommended guidelines to prevent complications.
Adhere to These Tips
Choose moisturisers and emollients as advised by your dermatologist to lock in moisture, restore the skin barrier, and maintain healthy skin.
Creams and ointments are preferred over lotions, as they provide deeper and longer-lasting hydration.
Use medicated creams prescribed by your doctor strictly as directed to control inflammation and prevent flare-ups. Avoid using any product without medical advice.
Avoid hot water showers, as they can further dry out the skin.
Use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers to minimise irritation.
Wear soft, breathable fabrics like cotton and avoid synthetic materials that can irritate sensitive skin.
Never ignore persistent skin symptoms taking skin health lightly is a strict no-no.
Regular check-ups and follow-ups with a dermatologist are especially important during winter for individuals prone to skin conditions. Staying vigilant and adopting the right skincare habits can go a long way in keeping winter-related skin problems under control.
Stay alert, stay safe, and take care of your skin this winter.
