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Itchy winter skin- how to manage itchy, dry skin. Treatments for psoriasis, eczema and seborrhoic dermatitis

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As the darker colder days start to set it it is very common to start to see and feel changes in your skin.


Why does winter itch and become dry in winter?


Our skin is very reactive to the environment around us. Temperature directly influenced how much water is lost through the skin and then how hydrated it is. Blasting winds outside and toasting ourselves infront of the fire to warm up also suck further hydration out as well as being directly inflammatory.


As skin becomes dehydrated and physically bombarded by these things the strength of the skin barrier weakens. The skin barrier refers to how stable our skin is and how able it is to perform its functions of providing a strong physical barrier between us and the outside world and healing if there is any weakness in this.


View the essential oils and hydration in our skin as the mortar, and our skin cells the bricks, and you can quickly imagine how winter causes cracks and weakening in what is our largest organ; exactly the same as how an old vs a new brick wall.


Inflammatory skin conditions are a very common issue in the colder months. Psoriasis, eczema and seborrhoic dermatitis all flare, after symptoms had likely been very much better in the summer. Even people, who wouldn’t say they had a diagnosis of any of these skin conditions will report dullness, itching and flaking of skin.


Understanding these skin conditions is key to soothing what can often be very itchy and irritated skin as well as visibly inflamed, which as we walk around day in day out wearing our skin can have a big impact on confidence.


Are psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis related?


Psoriasis, eczema and seborrhoic dermatitis all describe skin that is in a state of inflammation. For all, part of the cause of this inflammation is caused by genetic predisposition, potential hightened immune responses in the body and over-sensitivity.

For all of these, anything that triggers inflammation or stresses the body can trigger a flare. Winter often brings more viral infections, higher stress levels and low levels of natural light, which contributes to weakened immunity, higher bodily inflammation and thus flares the skin in people who have skin conditions or not. Simple tips such as sitting near a window, getting out at lunch to see daylight, keeping up hobbies and social activity even though it is dark outside and eating well whilst topping up key nutrients such as omega 3 and vit D will keep your general health and thus your skin health strong.

 

 What causes psoriasis?


In psoriasis the normal immune response is heightened and this combined with an altered skin cycle, leads to redness, skin thickening and scaling and then itchy plaques, often along the hair line and scalp, on the elbows, knees, base of the back or sometimes all over the body. Psoriasis is often soothed by natural sunlight and so this, in addition to the temperature changes, means psoriasis flares in winter.

 

What causes eczema?


For people who suffer with eczema this can be a combination of a genetically slightly weaker skin barrier, an altered skin microbiome as well as high tended sensitivity to things that can cause allergy, ranging from pollen to dairy, perfumes and biological washing powders. The environment and temperature then further weaken the skin barrier and lead to a flare of itchy dry and inflammed skin that happens often in elbow and knee creases, eyelids and in general over the body.

 

What causes seborrhoic dermatitis?


Seborrhoic dermatitis is often seen in people who have other inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, but specifically here there is sensitivity to yeasts that naturally live on the skin. Damp, cold weather and lack of sunlight can mean the balance of the skin Microbiome is altered and yeasts grow more, which triggers an inflammatory immune response. Flares see inflamed and itchy, slightly yellow scaly skin often on the scalp and hair line, under the armpits, the bra and knicker line.

 

How to heal skin barrier and keep skin strong in winter

AKA Treatments for eczema. Treatments for psoriasis. Treatments for seborrhoic dermatitis.


Whilst there are key differences in the bodily processes that lead to these skin issues, the concepts for healing them are generally the same.


1)        Keep your general health good by choosing healthy lifestyle which allows your body and mind to stay strong.


2)        Reduce triggers that can further irritate skin- A common trigger in winter is a hot shower! Try turning down the temperature and when you get out pat your skin dry rather than rub. Other common aids are; avoiding perfumed products, opt for non-biological detergents, minimise ultraprocessed foods and steer away from food colorants, sweeteners and preservatives. For some, a food diary can also be useful to see if there are links with dairy or gluten.


3)        Focus on skin barrier health- choose a cleanser appropriate to your skin type and a high calibre well balanced moisturiser that incorporates ceramides a long side things like hyaluronic acid, glycerine, pantheons and shea butter.


4)        Focus more on hydration in the colder months- reduce irritating and oil stripping actives such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid and retinoids. Favour antiinflammatory actives such as niacinamide and step up hydration by considering adding in a hydrating serum in addition to your moisturiser or opting for a thicker night cream and moisturiser through the day as needed.

 

5)        Rebalance skin Microbiome or tackle infections- T-gel, shampoos with sulphur and simple agents like hypochlorus spray which was a firm favourite for managing maskne during Covid are fantastic to rebalance the skin Microbiome. Antifungal shampoos and creams can also be used to reduce fungal infections which can be a particular problem for seborrhoic dermatitis. Your pharmacist can be very helpful to direct you to what may be best for you but if you do not see improvement within a couple of weeks of use make sure to seek advice from a medical professional.

 

6)        If skin is still very red and inflamed always speak to a medical professional. They can advice you on all of the above as well as safely considering other antiinflammatory agents such as steroids and immune modulators. When used appropriately these play a key role in settling angry skin but if over used, as with many medicines, actually can weaken skin and cause steroid over use rosacea.

 

7)        Consider skin-treatments to further hydrate and strengthen skin barrier- LED light is a safe way of exposing skin to the healing effects found in sunlight. This is wonderful for all inflammatory skin conditions and also can be used as an anti-aging option by boosting collagen. Polynucleotide injections are a fabulous option to both hydrate and settle inflammation in the skin, and skin boosters can help drier skins by providing immediate and intense hydration.


Get some personalises help for your skin


Skin needs change from season to season and with all the options it can be very confusing. Arranging a skin and lifestyle consultation allows you to talk things through and start to really understand what you can do at home and how much things will help. Then with regular follow up you can ask questions as they arise and navigate changes as needed.


Head to book your consultation today to start the ball rolling and sooth itchy or irritated skin.




 

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