All winter flakes are not made of snow. Winter also wreaks havoc on our skin, sometimes making it dry and flaky. Skin dries out when it's deprived of water and this dryness often causes itchiness, resulting in a condition often referred to as "winter itch."
Dr. Rachelle A. Scott, associate professor of clinical dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University, and associate acting dermatologist at the Weill Cornell Center of New York-Presbyterian Hospital, says that during the winter months, her patients complain most about itchy skin.
"Most of us experience dry and itchy skin from time to time, but people usually seek medical attention only when it starts driving them crazy. The best thing you can do to relieve itch is to 'undry' your skin because you can't do anything about the cold weather," says Scott.
"Remember, dry skin is due to lack of water, not oil," says Dr. Robert R. Walther, clinical professor and vice chair of dermatology at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and attending dermatologist at the Columbia-Presbyterian Center of New York-Presbyterian Hospital. "Apply moisturizers immediately after bathing or showering to trap water in the skin," he adds.
Scott and Walther offered the following suggestions to help make sure that the only flakes you see this winter are the white fluffy kind falling from the sky: 1.
Mositurize daily. Cream moisturizers are best for normal to dry skin. An oil-free moisturizer is recommended for those who tend to break out. Those with sensitive skin should choose a moisturizer without perfume or lanolin. 2.
Cleanse your skin but don't overdue it. It is enough to wash your face, hands, feet and between the folds of your skin once a day. The trunk, arms and legs can be rinsed daily but do not use soap or cleanser on these areas every day. Too much cleansing removes the skin's natural moisturizers. 3.
Limit the use of hot water and soap. Those with "winter itch" should take short, lukewarm showers or baths and use a non-irritating, non-detergent-based cleanser. Immediately after a bath, apply a water-in-oil type moisturizer while skin remains moist. Then gently pat dry. 4.
Humidify. Humidifiers can be very beneficial. However, be sure to clean the units per the manufacturer's instructions to reduce the production of molds and fungi. 5.
Protect yourself from the wind. In addition to moisturizing your face and hands before going outdoors, cover your face and use a petroleum-based lip care product. 6.
Avoid extreme cold. Cold temperatures can cause skin disorders or even frostbite. If you develop color changes in your hands or feet, accompanied by pain or ulceration, see a doctor immediately. If you suffer extreme pain followed by loss of sensation in a finger or toe, you may have frostbite. 7.
Avoid excessive heat. Do not keep your thermostat above 78 degrees. Besides adding to your heating bill, it keeps the humidity too low and contributes to "winter itch." Also, avoid using heating pads or placing your legs in front of the fireplace for long periods of time. 8.
Protect your skin from the sun. Winter sun can be as dangerous for the skin as summer sun. It can lead to premature aging of the skin and skin cancer. When skiing, mountain climbing, sledding, hiking or just walking for prolonged periods of time, use a suncreen with a sun-protection factor of 15 or greater. 9.
Exercise. For skin with a healthy glow, about 20 to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three times a week is recommended.
10. If you have persistent dry skin, scaling, itching, other rashes or skin growths, see your dermatologist.
