Cold weather can take a toll on your body. As temperatures drop, so does the moisture content in your skin. This can lead to a winter rash. A winter rash is an area of irritated skin. It’s most often caused by dry skin. Even if you have healthy skin the rest of the year, you may develop a winter rash during cold seasons. The condition is common and often recurs year after year. Most people who live in cold climates have experienced it at least once.
Without treatment and lifestyle changes, your rash may last throughout winter. Fortunately, there are ways to keep your skin healthy and moisturized year-round.
During the winter season, skin allergies are on rise due to dry, cold weather causing itchy rash as dehydration may also a major factor.
Talking to a private news channel, Health Expert Dr Saira Awan said to avoid developing winter rash to use water and natural oils in the skin help it stay moist and enhance its protective abilities. Winter rash occurs when the skin loses too much moisture during cold seasons.
She informed that cold, dry air and central heating can suck the water and oils from the skin other environmental factors, as well as lifestyle factors and certain medical conditions can also cause dry skin and rashes.
Replying to a question, she said Dermatitis refers to any inflammation of the skin, Dermatitis causes dry, itchy patches to form. It may result from poor circulation or exposure to harsh chemicals, an allergen or an infection.
She further informed about winter skin allergies including Rosacea is a bacterial infection that causes rashes and small, red bumps on the skin. Cold urticarial this rare skin condition causes swollen, itchy bumps called hives to form after exposure to the cold.
Some people develop the hives after swimming in cold water, while others are sensitive to cold air.
The rash is temporary and lasts for 1 to 2 hours after exposure to the cold. Psoriasis Cold, dry weather can trigger psoriasis flares other triggers include stress, smoking, and certain infections, she expressed.
Most winter rashes improve with lifestyle changes, home remedies, and over-the-counter (OTC) treatments. Others may persist or get worse. Scratching may cause your skin to crack and bleed.
