There can be problems in your skin during the winter season. Your skin’s moisture content drops as there is a fall in the temperature. Winter rash can develop due to this. The area of your skin where winter rash develops gets irritated. This condition can happen even if your skin remains healthy at other times of the year. If you don’t have proper treatment, this condition can last for the whole winter season. However, a skin doctor will suggest you go for some diagnostic tests to know whether the condition is winter rash or not. This is important as the symptoms of winter rash have similarity with those of some other conditions. I recently suggested one of my friends the name of a pathology lab near me for some diagnostic tests as advised by his doctor.
Symptoms
There can be the following symptoms of winter rash:
- Swelling
- Flaking
- Sensitivity
- Redness
- Itching
- Blisters
- Bumps
The winter rash can develop in a single area or different areas of your body.
Risk Factors
The risk of developing winter rash is more in some people in comparison to others. If you have a history of any of the following, you have an increased risk of developing winter rash.
- Dermatitis
- Eczema
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Rosacea
If your skin is sensitive, the risk of developing winter rash is more. The risk also increases if you spend a lot of time outdoors.
Causes
There are natural oils and dead skin cells in your skin. These help in holding water inside your skin. Your skin remains soft, moisturized and smooth because of this. Your skin lacks moisture in the winter due to various adverse conditions outside and inside the house. The moisture escapes from your skin, which can lead to dry skin and a winter rash. There are also other causes of winter rash.
Diagnosis
The dermatologist at a doctor clinic in Hooghly often carries out a physical examination for diagnosing winter rash. Reviewing your symptoms and medical history is also important along with this to determine the actual cause of your rash and provide proper treatment.
Prevention
You can minimize the risk of developing winter rash by the following changes in the care of your skin:
- Try to use non-foaming body washes and skin cleansers
- Try to keep your skin moisturized
- Try not to take extremely hot showers
- Try using serums or oils enriched with moisturizers to reduce inflammation
- The following changes in your lifestyle can also help:
- Try to use a humidifier
- Try to remain hydrated
- Try wearing gloves when you are outside
- Try to spend less time in direct sunlight
Treatment
The doctor suggests the following treatments for winter rash:
- Applying moisturizers: This helps to lock moisture in your skin. Use them at different times of the day.
- Applying petroleum jelly: This also seals moisture into your skin.
- Applying natural oils: This helps soothe your irritated skin and replenish moisture.
The doctor may also prescribe some medicines that can help in giving you relief from this condition.
