Beat the Itch of Winter Skin

From simple dry, cracked skin to eczema, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis, the cold, wind, and low humidity of winter can worsen just about every kind of skin condition.

The dry air of winter pulls moisture from the skin, which then tends to peel, crack, and shed excessively, Toombs says. This increased loss of skin cells results in increased oil and water loss. This leads to more dry skin. Also, the forced hot air of indoor heating systems contributes substantially.

For people who have an existing "skin condition, such as eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, or dandruff, winter weather can make a bad problem worse," says Bruce Katz, MD, a private practice dermatologist and director of the JUVA Skin and Laser Center in New York City. "But many of the winter protection strategies we suggest to patients who have skin conditions also apply to everyone else."

Treating Skin Conditions
Eczema is an overall skin sensitivity that appears as a rash, says Katz. People with eczema should not wear wool or heavy synthetic fabrics directly on their skin. These can cause irritation from too much friction.

"Cover up and avoid wind and cold," says Katz, "But wear a cotton layer against your skin to protect against friction."

In psoriasis, skin cells overproduce themselves at five times the normal rate, forming scaly patching or plaque, says Thomas Russell, MD, clinical professor of dermatology at the Medical College of Wisconsin. It's harder for skin to retain moisture because there's less humidity in the air during winter, so tiny cracks can develop on the skin. To help keep skin moist, use a moisturizer, and watch how many times you bathe.

Prevent Dry Skin
Dealing with dry skin is all about trapping moisture in your skin.

"For dry, chapped hands with cracked cuticles, I recommend an old standby, Corn Huskers Lotion," says Claire McArdle, RN, president of Beauty Therapies in Brookline, Mass. "It's very soothing and easily absorbed into the skin. I've used it for years on my clients, and I've never found anything better."

Moisturizing after a bath or shower is also important.

"When drying after bath or shower, pat dry -- don't rub," says Toombs. "Rubbing will remove the skin cells and oils you've just applied. Immediately after patting dry, apply a quality cream- or ointment-based moisturizer."

She also suggests moisturizing fingernails and cuticles as nails love moisture and can dry out and break more easily in the winter.

One of the best wintertime medicines for these skin conditions is the one that is often the most difficult to arrange: a long vacation in a warm, humid climate.

"A few weeks in the Caribbean with lots of swimming and sunshine often seems to be helpful," says Russell. "All that water and warmth is the best treatment for many people."

But don't overdo it in the sun -- sunblock with at least an SPF of 15 helps protect you from the sun's damaging effects while allowing you to enjoy your tropical paradise.

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