Ways to avoid a winter rash
In winter, the temperature drops and so does humidity, especially in the interior of South Africa. The air is then dried out further due to central heating, fan heaters, fires and electric blankets. This can cause our skin to dry out, which in turn causes or aggravates skin conditons.
There are a few ways that you can curb the effects of these irritants on your skin:
- Use a humidifier at home.
- Use a mild, neutral pH, fragrance-free, glycerine soap or a cleansing oil on your body and a cream or gel-based cleanser on your face.
- Try using a gentle exfoliator a few times a week.
- Apply liberal amounts of a good quality moisturiser formulated for dry skin.
- Don’t forget your sunscreen! Even though it’s cold and dark outside you need to protect your skin.
Winter skin conditions and how to treat them
If you already suffer from an existing skin condition, or are prone to seasonal skin changes, the methods mentioned above might not work for you. Here are a few common ailments and how you can treat them:
- Eczema: Areas of the body become dry, scaly, red and intensely itchy. There are many different types of eczema and the condition can affect both adults and children. In winter, switch to an oilier moisturiser, use coconut oil, and make sure you check for SLS-free products when purchasing lotions. Avoid taking long hot baths as this may strip the skin of natural oils and lead to increased dryness. Also avoid using any frothy soaps – if it lathers you shouldn’t use it.
- Chilblains: Your fingertips, ears and the tip of your nose may become itchy, painful and very red if you develop chilblains so be sure to protect these areas from the cold.
- Psoriasis: This inflammatory skin condition generally worsens in winter. Speak to your dermatologist about intensifying your treatment or consider phototherapy.
- Dry, chapped lips: Avoid chewing on the flaky bits on your lips and keep unscented lips balm with you at all times.
- Dry, cracked heels: After you shower, apply a thick, specially formulated heel balm containing urea to your damp feet. Then put on socks to lock moisture in.
- Itchy skin: You can purchase a 1% hydrocortisone cream or ointment without a prescription from your local pharmacy. If the cream is not offering sufficient relief from the itch, consult your local healthcare practitioner about getting a prescription for a more powerful corticosteroid cream to break the itch cycle.
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The content of this Website is provided as a service to you for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need medical advice, you should seek the advice of your healthcare professional.