With the advent of the winter season, a wide range of skin problems are heard and talked about. More and more people suffer from itchy, flaky and dry skin which further leads to serious skin conditions. The drier the skin, the more itchy and sensitive it will be, says reputed dermatologist Navjot Arora. The expert explains that with harsh winter conditions, a wide range of pre-existing skin conditions like Seborrheic dermatitis, Psoriasis and Atopic dermatitis can get aggravated.
It is important to take proper skin care during winter and understand different skin problems in detail. Here is what Dr. Navjot Arora shares about winter skincare and its problems.
Common skin problems during the winter season
Atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is a type of allergic disorder of the skin that involves the fold of skin like- arms fold or knee fold, under the eyes, underarms and/ or groin region. In this condition, the skin becomes dry, red and itchy. The dryness can soon turn to a bacterial infection, all thanks to the consistent scratching.
Seborrheic dermatitis
Commonly known as Dandruff, this is a mild and very frequently affecting skin condition. The extent of Seborrheic dermatitis increases because of the lack of moisture in the environment. The most common occurrence of Seborrheic dermatitis can be noticed on eyebrows, eyelashes, sides of the nose, beard and mustache area in men. When left untreated, it can lead to red, flaky, mildly itchy patches.
Psoriasis
A common autoimmune skin condition, Psoriasis causes thick scales over well-defined red patches mainly on the scalp, elbow-knee joints, palm and sole. It might spread to other parts of the body when left untreated.
How to treat and prevent skin problems during winter?
Dr. Navjot Arora emphasizes appropriate skincare and thoughtful dermatological consultation for the winter season. “There is a wide range of treatments for winter dry skin but hydrating and nourishing dry skin remains the core treatment for all dry skin conditions,” says Dr. Arora.
Use pH balanced products
To avoid winter skin dryness, it is important to use pH-balanced moisturizing soaps and body washes and just after a bath. Before you step out of the shower, take a handful of moisturizers and apply it to your skin. It is recommended to use skin-appropriate moisturizer the choice varies from paraffin to oatmeal-based to ceramide or probiotic based depending on the extent of dryness and associated dermatological condition.
Pat dry
Instead of rubbing your body after a bath, one must pat dry to avoid damaging the already dry and sensitive skin. Use a soft towel to ensure gentle touch.
Take expert advice
To avoid further complications, people suffering from specific skin conditions must consult with a dermatologist and take proper prescription-based medicines ranging from simple anti-allergic tablets to steroid-based lotions and even systemic immunomodulatory depending upon the overall severity of the condition.
Anti-fungal and anti-dandruff shampoos
Do not ignore dandruff. Instead, use Anti-fungal and anti-dandruff shampoos to treat it. Otherwise normal, Dandruff can be a serious concern and oiling alone won’t be helpful. In fact, in certain cases, excess oiling can be a core reason for dandruff.
Taking care of the skin in winter is crucial and Dr. Navjot Arora emphasizes focusing on these skincare tips. Make sure you have healthy skin this winter and reach out to dermatologists in case of any serious problem or condition.
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