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Is your skin feeling dry and flaky? Worried winter is making you morph into some sort of reptile? Don’t fret because you aren’t alone. The dreaded winter itch strikes young and old alike.
“The dry, flaky, itchy skin condition commonly referred to as ‘winter itch’ can occur anywhere and everywhere on the body,” says Emily Johnston, a physician assistant at Sanova Dermatology in Austin, Texas. This uncomfortable skin condition is caused by the dry climatic conditions that occur during the winter months, when humidity is at its lowest. But climate is not the only inciting factor. “The indoor air in many homes and buildings becomes overly dry from active heating systems. Using harsh body soaps to bathe with and wash your clothes can further compound the itching.”
If you are active outdoors, your skin may also sustain what is referred to as a cold-weather sunburn. A cold-weather sunburn happens when your skin is exposed to drying, cold winds and the harsh effects of the sun.
To fight winter itch, you should gently exfoliate your skin to remove the dead skin cells. “Once the dead cells are washed away, you can apply an all-over moisturizer to nourish and protect the skin,” Johnston shares. Applying mineral oil or petroleum jelly helps alleviate the dry skin and relieves itching. “These thick emollients also keeps the skin from drying out, holds in moisture, and preserves the skin’s natural oils.”
Here are several other ways you can prevent winter itch:
If your winter itch becomes too severe, you might have to seek the help of a dermatologist. At Sanova Dermatology, we will work with you to provide winter itch relief. Please contact us to make an appointment.