(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) While people pay so much attention to skin care in the summer months, they are not really aware that skin problems are aggravated by cold and dry air during winter, said a top dermatologist in Dubai.
The Dubai Dermatology Centre sees an increase of 15 to 20 per cent in the number of patients with the onset of winter. "For people with skin problems and sensitive skin, winter months mean the return of dry, itchy skin and rashes. For patients with skin problems like eczema, winter causes worsening of the condition and predisposes them to constant flare-ups. Therefore, people need to take more precautions during the winter months," said Dr Anwar Al Hammadi, director of the centre.
Eczema is a chronic skin disease where patches of skin become irritated or inflamed and cause itching and form rashes or blisters. Most people are diagnosed with eczema when they are children and symptoms may decrease as they get older, but it can persist into adulthood.
Dr Al Hammadi said eczema is the most common skin problem in winter. He also said that patients with eczema should use emollients prescribed by their dermatologist and should apply these regularly, particularly after a shower to help lock in the moisture. Patients should also avoid taking a bath in hot water as it significantly aggravates the condition; lukewarm showers are recommended.
"A lot of patients question the benefit of treatment because there is no cure for eczema. But it's important for eczema patients to understand that if they do not treat their condition, it can worsen significantly, causing infections that require them to take oral antibiotics and pigmentation of the skin which can be permanent."
Dr Al Hammadi said they should also wear clothing and fabrics which do not irritate their skin and cause flare-ups. He said that the other skin conditions that are worsened by winter are psoriasis and rosacea.
Psoriasis is a long-lasting autoimmune disease characterised by patches of abnormal skin. These skin patches are typically red, itchy, and scaly. They may vary in severity from small and localised to complete body coverage. Rosacea is a common skin condition that causes redness of the face and often produces small, red, pus-filled bumps.
"Patients with psoriasis need to apply medicated crmes recommended by the dermatologist; they should also take lukewarm and not hot showers and they should wear irritant-proof clothing that protects their skin from cold and dry air.
"Patients with rosacea need to ensure they always wear sunscreen even when the weather is cloudy as the ultraviolet rays can affect their skin."
Dr Al Hammadi also said that while those with specific skin conditions need to take extra precautions in winter, everyone should ensure they moisturise their skin in winter to prevent skin dryness and irritability.
Asma Ali Zain Associated with KT for 15 years. Covers health issues, Pakistan community, human interest stories as well as general topics for daily news or features.
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