Dry skin is a major problem during winter. With the air getting chilly, creams, moisturisers, lotions and lip balms are in demand. However, some of these are only short-term measures as dryness, peeling of skin and cuts on lips require extra care to ensure that they do not worsen.
Too much dry skin leads to itching
Itching is one of the outcomes of dry skin. With the skin being less elastic due to the aging process, the problem usually manifests at the onset of middle age. Some people have uncontrolled itching; constant scratching leads to the skin getting severely damaged. Due to this skin is exposed to virus in the air leading to infection.
The most common skin infection is bacterial (staphylococcal). If not treated early, the infection spreads to deeper layers of the skin leading to swelling and redness of the affected area. It is more common on the legs. There may be pain in the affected area and also fever.
Dr Manmohan, consultant dermatologist, Apollo Hospitals says, “When the skin area is swollen and becomes red, it is very important to take proper treatment with antibiotics. Also, during winter, gentle soaps must be used as the skin cracks due to the chill in the air. A harsh soap with strong chemicals will have severe reactions. Those who are allergic to certain chemicals must ensure that they opt for soaps that have very little chemicals in them.”
“People must wash their face properly and apply moisturisers early in the morning and at night before going to bed. People with sensitive skin must also cover up well as it will help keep infections away,” he adds.
Pay attention to nails and lips
Lip cuts are deep during winter and children often tend to bite in further. Applying cosmetic lip balms for them is not advisable. Hence butter, ghee or even home-made coconut oil would help. But coconut oil should be applied only when kids are at home and not when they go to school as the strong smell and exposure to dust could have reactions. Of late, home-made aloe vera gel is also preferred by many.
Another important aspect is the care of nails in winter as they become brittle and break easily, causing enormous pain. Dr Uma Chakravdhanula MBBS, D.D.V.L Dermatologist, Kims hospitals says, “Moisturisers containing urea must be used. They can be applied on the nails and left on overnight. Vitamin supplements containing biotin and iron are also good for nails.”
Scalp must be kept clean to avoid dandruff
The problem of dandruff increases during winter. Dr Lakshmi Sharada, consultant dermatologist Care Hospital, explains, “The problem of dandruff manifests when micro-organisms in the scalp are disturbed due to the external environment. The cold air brings along with it dust particles and pollutants which hover in the atmosphere for a longer time. Hence some people find that the problem of dandruff increases during winter. If they ignore the problem, it manifests into severe itching.”
The basic remedy for dandruff, she claims, is to wash hair once in two days and also to ensure that the scalp is kept clean. Those who have the habit of going out with oily hair must avoid it all the costs.
Dr Sharada adds, “The ratio of men and women suffering from dandruff is the same. But if proper care is not taken then some patients have to be put on medication.”
Tips to over come dry skin:
- Do not take long baths
- Do not use very hot water for bathing
- Use a mild soap (soaps with pH 5.5)
- Use soap substitutes like cleansing milk or shower gels
- Bath oils can be used during or after bathing
- Avoid vigorous drying with a coarse (rough) towel
- Apply lubricating creams or ointments after bath on the entire body
Five tips to keep skin healthy during winter
- Mild cleanser for bathing
- Good moisturisation
- Wearing clothes which cover the body totally
- Adequate fluid intake
- Taking supplements containing vitamins and Omega 3 fatty acids
