Dry Winter Skin: Eczema, Psoriasis, and Tips to Prevent It

Feeling itchy this winter? Dry, itchy skin is a common winter companion when the humidity drops, especially as we get older.

Posted on

18 January 2021

| Last updated on 21 January 2021

Dry Winter Skin: Eczema, Psoriasis, and Tips to Prevent It

Winter is a difficult time for our large organ: skin.

Many people get dry irritated skin during winter because of the changing temperatures and dry air.

Dry air, when combined with indoor heating systems, can really dry out your skin. Skin dryness can also be caused by wearing too many layers of clothing, taking hot baths, or using too many bed coverings. These are all things we’re more likely to do during the cold winter months.

It's one thing to have dry skin due to weather or exposure to products that harm your skin. Many people also suffer from skin diseases, such as eczema and psoriasis

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic skin issues.

Typically, the epidermis gets rids of old skin cells and creates new ones each month. It seems that the immune system mistakenly sees healthy skin cells as unhealthy, so it signals the epidermis to grow skin at an abnormal rate, quickly.

The body does not shed these skin cells, so the cells pile up on the surface of the skin, causing a buildup of inflamed, red and raised areas of skin. The result is psoriasis.

Common signs and symptoms of psoriasis include:

red patches of skin covered with thick, silvery scales
small scaling spots (commonly seen in children)
dry, cracked skin that may bleed or itch
itching, burning or soreness
thickened, pitted or ridged nails
swollen and stiff joints

Common triggers include:

stress
strep throat,
cold weather

What is eczema?

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a skin condition that causes a dry, scaly, and itchy rashPeople with eczema may experience the following symptoms:

severe itching, especially at night
dry, scaly patches that are red to brownish-gray on the skin
small, raised bumps that could leak fluid and scab over if scratched
thick, cracked, dry, and scaly skin

Eczema may also be caused by:

skin irritants
infections
stress
exposure to certain allergens, such as dust or pet dander

Dr. Kamil Al Rustom treats eczema and psoriasis in different highly effective ways: through medication, phototherapy, and laser therapy.

To combat problems with dry skin in the winter, try these tips:

1. Skip hot shower / baths

Because heat can cause our skin to dry out, we should avoid taking very hot baths in winter. Instead, use warm water, and try to bathe or shower less frequently and less duration.

To keep our skin moist while bathing, add some moisturizing products to the water. After a bath or shower, don’t rub your skin with a towel. Pat yourself dry instead.

2. Use a gentle soap

Dry skin is very sensitive. Look for moisturizing soaps that are fragrance, dye, and alcohol free.

Don’t forget to avoid harsh soaps in laundry detergents as well. Look for detergents that are formulated for sensitive skin.

3. Use a thick moisturizer

Our skin requires a lot of moisturizing in winter time. Use thick moisturizers and apply them immediately after bathing or showering.

Make sure to moisturize the skin more than once per day.

Treatment for eczema and psoriasis in Dubai

4. Avoid contact with certain materials

Some fibers, such as wool, nylon, and others, can irritate skin. They also may cause overheating, which also leads to flare-ups.

Dress in breathable materials, such as cotton, and avoid wearing too many layers. Also, eliminate unnecessary layers on your bed and make sure the bed's linens are made from breathable fabrics as well.