Those little cracks on the skin can cause inflammatory response, which can leave the skin more susceptible to flare-ups. But as Dr Niren explains, for some people the problem is worse than a tight, dry feeling. Their skin gets so dry it starts flaking, cracking, and can even lead to psoriasis and eczema.
What Dr Neil Niren recommends for the fast approaching winter days is moisturizing both body and face more often and with richer creams that in other seasons. During the winter months, doctors also suggests using cleanser or soap that is less drying and has no fragrance.
For people with more problematic skin, or those affected by eczema or psoriasis, this is quite a dangerous period. As dermatologist explains adding the loss of moisture from lack of humidity is a double whammy. Patients with eczema also need to avoid all fragrance, even in shampoo, conditioner, fabric softener, as well as in moisturizers and soaps.
According to Dr Niren, the most common conditions associated with winter are winter itch, nummular dermatitis and ichthyosis. Winter itch occurs because the skin is dry and wearing heavy clothes causes sweat to accumulate and irritate the pores. Nummular dermatitis manifests with round scaly itchy patches usually appearing on the legs. Neil Niren MD points out that both of these conditions can be partially prevented with daily moisturizing, avoidance of irritants and harsh soaps. Avoiding polyester and wool can also be helpful. When it comes to Ichthyosis, a condition in which diamond shaped scaly patches appear on the legs, at his blog at SCALAR, the dermatologist discovered that moisturizing, proper medications and sometimes an antihistamine can be helpful.
