It’s that time of year again when one can feel the early morning and late afternoon, dry Johannesburg winter chill. When juices are swapped for steamy, hot drinks and cupboards are turned inside out for warm winter jerseys.

With the onset of winter, skin is characteristically drier, red, scaly and more itchy.

Asteatotic Eczema also known as Dry eczema or Eczema Craquele occurs during times when the skin becomes extremely dry. The skin becomes abnormally dry, scaly, cracked, fissured and itchy. The dry Johannesburg winters in addition to the use of heaters is a common cause of asteatotic eczema It occurs more commonly in elderly persons whose skin is more dehydrated due to less sebaceous and sweat glands. It can also occur in individuals who move from more humid climates to drier areas such as the Highveld. Irritants such as detergents and soaps can also trigger asteatotic eczema.

Patients should use emollients and at times corticosteroid ointments are needed.

Tips for keeping skin comfortable this winter…

• Avoid long hot showers and baths, rather use lukewarm to warm water
• Moisturise skin within 3 minutes of stepping out of the bath
• Exfoliate dry rough skin
• Humidify rooms, especially bedrooms and when heaters are used
• Drink plenty of fluids to keep skin hydrated
• Vitamin C is not only good to keep away colds, but is an excellent antioxidant for radiant skin
• Continue protecting skin with sunscreen
• Ease up on harsh skin care treatments
• Gloves and socks will keep hands and feet warm and soft
• Milder soaps should be used and reserved for areas such as axillae, genital areas, hands and feet

 

Remember your skincare routine for winter should include a moisturiser to avoid chapped lips and extra care for hair to avoid dry, brittle hair.

With these extra tips, hopefully we will all be more comfortable in our skin this winter.