columbushosp.org 11 Why skin acts up in the cold While eczema can be a chronic skin condition, it frequently flares up in the winter. During winter months, the air is less humid and, as a result, skin can lose its moisture quickly. “Your skin may start to feel a little more irritated or appear red or flaky,” said board-certified dermatologist Dillon Clarey, MD, of Columbus Dermatology Clinic. “It just doesn’t hold on to water as well as it did during the summer when it was warm and humid.” Eczema can look like pink, scaly patches on the fronts of elbows, backs of knees, and hands or even eyelids. Self-care for winter skin “For most people, tackling dry or irritated skin in winter starts with moisturization,” Clarey noted. The best time to moisturize your skin is right after a shower or bath while the skin is still damp. This tends to seal in moisture more effectively. Also, consider applying a moisturizer after you’ve been sitting near a fireplace or other heat source, or if you’ve recently used an alcoholbased hand sanitizer, which can strip away oils from the skin. Moisturizing creams and ointments may be a better choice than lotions, which sometimes contain fragrances that can irritate the skin, Clarey said. Options include brands like Vaseline, Aquaphor, Vanicream, CeraVe and Cetaphil. Vaseline and Aquaphor are “a little bit greasier on your skin” but tend to seal in moisture better, Clarey said. If you feel burning on your skin after you apply a product, stop using it. There may be something in it that’s irritating your skin. If you have ongoing skin concerns, see a doctor. Your provider may suggest an over-the-counter topical steroid that can help ease inflammation and itching. Prescription topical steroids can also help reduce redness and inflammation. For more resistant or widespread eczema, other topical medications or even injectable treatments can be effective options. A word about Raynaud’s Other conditions can also become more noticeable in cold weather, such as Raynaud’s phenomenon. This condition causes blood vessels in the fingers to narrow, which restricts blood flow. As a result, some people with Raynaud’s experience color changes in their digits, which can be white or bluish when exposed to cold. “The color of the fingers usually goes back to normal if you warm them up,” Clarey said. Most cases of Raynaud’s are primary, meaning they occur without an underlying disease. However, in some instances, Raynaud’s can be secondary to an autoimmune condition. Treatment is available for Raynaud’s phenomenon. “If you have a family history of autoimmune diseases, consider getting evaluated,” Clarey said. Other steps that can help soothe dry, irritated skin include: ● Using a gentle soap. ● Keeping an eye on your home’s humidity levels (and using a humidifier, if necessary). ● Wearing gloves outside to shield skin from the air. “For most people, tackling dry or irritated skin in winter starts with moisturization.” — Dillon Clarey, MD Schedule a skin checkup Columbus Dermatology Clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please call 402-562-4870 to make an appointment.
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