AVOID WINTER SKIN THIS YEAR

As winter approaches, many of us remember last year’s red, dry, cracked skin and wonder how we can avoid the same fate this year.

The skin’s moisture levels are controlled by natural oils in the skin. The oils form a seal, keeping water inside the skin. Some parts of the skin do not have many oil glands and so are most susceptible to winter dry skin. Oil glands are most commonly found on the face, the back, and the chest – all areas that don’t often develop problems with dryness. The concentration of oil glands is lowest on the lips and lower legs – all prone to dryness. The hands and feet are also susceptible to drying because of frequent washing and sweating which lead to increased evaporation and loss of moisture.

Dry winter skin is the number one cause of itchy skin. It is most common in older people who lose the ability to produce natural oils. People who bathe frequently – especially in hot baths and showers – strip the skin of natural oils. Those who are exposed to dry environments with high temperatures like those produced by winter home heating experience evaporation of water from skin. This kind of dry air can also irritate your nasal passages and throat and lead to chapped lips and bloody nose.

The appearance of dry skin is familiar to most of us. The usually fine lines in the skin become more visible and the skin feels rough and flaky. In more advanced cases, the skin can become split with red lines and fish-like scales can appear. One of the medical terms for dry skin is eczema craquele – an accurately descriptive term for the “crackled” appearance of the skin. In very severe cases, the splits or fissures in the skin can ooze and even drain pus.

Fortunately, we can fight against and even prevent dry skin from becoming a problem this year. The key lies in restoring moisture to the skin – either by adding moisture to the outside air or by preventing loss of moisture or natural oils from the skin.

• Restore moisture to your heated home by using a home humidifier. Portable humidifiers are available in many price ranges or you can purchase a more expensive model that attaches to your home heating system. Remember to avoid excess humidity – generally greater than 50 percent – which can provide an all-too-comfortable breeding ground for allergens like mold, dust mites, bacteria, and fungi.

• Avoid long hot baths or showers which can strip the skin of natural oils and promote evaporation. The key is to use lukewarm water.

• Avoid antibacterial and deodorant soaps. Soaps with lots of fat in them work best – for example, Dove and Neutrogena. Use as little soap as possible as any kind of soap tends to dry the skin.

• After your bath or shower, partially dry yourself and leave your skin slightly damp. Before your bath water evaporates (within three minutes or so), apply a greasy ointment or cream moisturizer like Vaseline jelly, Eucerin Cream, Aquaphor, or Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream. Avoid use of lotions like Vaseline Intensive Care, Lubriderm, and Nivea – although these products are pleasant to use, they contain alcohol and can be drying to the skin.

• Drink plenty of fluids. Water is the best choice for overall health. Avoid caffeine.

• Cover up when going outside. Wear leather gloves to prevent dry, chapped hands

• Stop smoking. Smoking is toxic for the skin, in general, but the smoke itself can dry the skin’s surface.

Dr. McMahon, a graduate of Yale University and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, is board certified in Internal Medicine. She is a member of the American College of Physicians and the Allegheny County and Pennsylvania Medical Societies. She is in solo practice in the North Hills of Pittsburgh.