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TIRED OF SCRATCHING?

New York-Presbyterian Dermatologists Offer Tips To Fight “Winter Itch”

New York, NY (August 1999)—All winter flakes are not made of snow.  Our coldest season also wreaks havoc on our skin, sometimes making it dry and flaky.  Skin dries out when it’s deprived of water and this dryness often causes itchiness, resulting in a condition commonly referred to as “winter itch.”

Rachelle A. Scott, M.D., Associate Professor of Clinical Dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University, and Associate Attending Dermatologist at the Weill Cornell Center of New York-Presbyterian Hospital, says her patients complain to her most about itchy skin during winter months.

“Most of us experience dry and itchy skin from time to time but people usually seek medical attention only when it starts driving them crazy.  The best thing you can do to relieve itch is to ‘undry’ your skin because you can’t do anything about the weather change,” says Dr. Scott.

“Remember, dry skin is due to a lack of water, not oil.  Apply moisturizers immediately after bathing or showering to trap water in the skin,” says Robert R. Walther, M.D., Clinical Professor and Vice Chair of Dermatology at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and Attending Dermatologist at the Columbia-
Presbyterian Center of New York-Presbyterian Hospital.

Drs. Scott and Walther have these suggestions to help turn your skin from alligator to suede:

1. Moisturize daily.  Cream moisturizers are best for normal to dry skin.  An oil-free moisturizer is recommended for those who tend to break out. Those with sensitive skin should choose a moisturizer without perfume or lanolin.

2. Cleanse your skin, but don’t overdo it.  It is enough to wash your face, hands, and feet and between the folds of your skin once a day.  The trunk, arms, and legs can be rinsed daily, but do not use soap or cleanser on these areas every day.  Too much cleansing removes the skin’s natural moisturizers.

3. Limit the use of hot water and soap.  Those with “winter itch” should take short, lukewarm showers or baths with a non-irritating, non-detergent-based cleanser.  Immediately after the bath, apply a water-in-oil type moisturizer.  While skin remains moist, then gently pat skin dry.

4. Humidify.  Humidifiers can be very beneficial.  However, be sure to clean the units per manufacturer’s instructions to reduce the production of molds and fungi.

5. Protect yourself from the wind.  In addition to moisturizing your face and hands before going outdoors, cover your face and use a petroleum-based “chapstick” for the lips.

6. Avoid extreme cold.  Cold temperatures can cause skin disorders or frostbite in some people.  It is important to see a doctor immediately, if you develop color changes in your hands or feet in association with pain or ulceration.  If you suffer extreme pain followed by loss of sensation in a finger or toe, you may have frostbite.

7. Avoid excessive heat.  Do not keep your heat above 78 degrees.  Besides adding to your heating bill, it keeps the humidity too low and contributes to “winter itch.”  Also, avoid using heating pads or placing legs in front of the fireplace for long periods of time.

8. Protect your skin from the sun.  Winter sun can be as dangerous for the skin as summer sun.  It can lead to premature aging of the skin and skin cancer.  When skiing, mountain climbing, sledding, hiking, or just walking for prolonged periods of time, use a sunscreen with sun-protection factor of 15 or greater.

9.  Exercise.  For skin with a healthy glow, about 20-30 minutes of aerobic exercise three times a week is recommended.

10. See your dermatologist.  If you have persistent dry skin, scaling, itching, or other rashes, or skin growths that concern you, see your dermatologist--not only in the winter, but throughout the year.