BLOG: Winter’s Coming, So Why Does My Skin Feel Like It's in the Desert?

It's coming—winter dry, scaly, itchy skin. As the outside air becomes colder and drier, our skin follows suit with scaly dry patches. Some areas like our shins may even look like cracked, desert pavement. Our hands are prone to drying out because of repeated hand washings and going in and out of cold environments. 

You may wonder why this happens in the winter. As skin dries, those fine cracks in the skin lead to irritation of the nerve endings in its top layers. As  nerve endings become irritated, skin becomes itchy. As you scratch the itchy area, a red scaly rash develops and this is the beginning of eczema.

Fortunately, there are some simple tips to prevent dry skin or eventual eczema. From September to May in Minnesota, use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers in the shower. Don’t scrub hard with a rough towel, dry off gently. Right afterward, apply a thicker, fragrance-free moisturizing cream from head to toe. This really seals in the moisture. Showering every day is fine as long as you moisturize afterward. 

Daily moisturizer from head to toe helps prevent eczema, but using lotions in the winter may not be enough. For example, home use of a humidifier is also helpful.  If you use a humidifier, you must maintain it properly and clean it often to prevent the spread of infection. Also, avoid fabrics like wool that can irritate your skin.

If eczema or severe dry skin DOES develop, see a professional dermatologist for prescription creams that help soothe skin.  

Early prevention can really help combat winter dry skin and eczema. Get in these good habits now to help your skin stay soft and supple. Enjoy the fall everyone!

If you’d like more information on dry skin, the American Academy of Dermatology is a great resource. Click here for more information.

Dr. Saxena provides general information about skin care and dermatology on this blog. You should consult a dermatologist if you have  specific concerns or issues with your skin.