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6 common skin conditions in winter and their prevention

Feb 11 , 2022 | 2 min read

Winters can be quite enchanting for some but at times could be a cause of concern for a few people who have dermatosis aggravated during winters.

Most Common Skin Conditions that Increased During Winters

Eczema

Eczemas like atopic dermatitis, asteotic eczemas, etc are increased due to dryness of the skin leading to red and itching eruptions affecting any age group from infants to elderlies. Repeated moisturization with occlusive moisturizers really helps and sometimes corticosteroid creams on affected area prescribed by your dermatologist works well.

Also check how to cope with dry skin in winter

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disease where patients get thick scaly reddish lesions on skin and scalp. Winters, leading to dryness increase this condition. Moisturizers containing Shea butter, paraffin, glycerine etc helps but patients should seek proper consultation with a dermatologist as oral and medical medicines to alleviate the symptoms is often needed.

Chapped Lips

Lips have very thin layer of skin and unlike other areas of body they can't be mostly covered. So in winters they can become extra dry leading to splitting and exfoliating in form of crusts. People usually lick their lips to make it wet or they peel off the crust which actually aggravates the condition. Repeated application of some lip balms containing glycerine, petroleum jelly, silicone and aloe vera usually helps.

Chillblains

Due to decrease in temperature in winters, the small vessels of extremities like of fingers and toes undergo vasoconstriction leading to decrease blood and oxygen supply to these areas leading to reddish or purplish discoloration with pain and itching called as 'perniosis' or commonly referred as chillblains. These episodes can be avoided by keeping these areas warm by wearing gloves and socks, using a room warmer. But, if chillblains develops then one should definitely consult a dermatologist.

Windburn

People who are usually working out in the open, when exposed to cold winter wind can get skin irritation which causes dry, red burning skin mainly on the face and exposed areas leading to a condition called as 'wind burn'. The best remedy is to cover your skin well with thick clothing like coats, hats and scarves so as to avoid direct exposure to chilly wind.

Cold Urticaria

Urticaria or 'hives' is allergic skin reaction towards some external antigens in which people get red itchy welts on the skin. There are various reasons which can elicit urticarial reaction in body of which one factor is cold weather leading to 'cold urticaria'. Treatment involves avoidance of cold exposure and medications like antihistaminics.