What is Winter Rash?
A winter rash or a winter skin rash is a type of dry skin that is exacerbated in cold and dry environmental conditions. It is most common in older people, people with sensitive skin, or people with skin exposed to harmful UV rays of the sun and less active oil glands.
What Does Winter Rash Look Like?
Winter skin rash may present the following symptoms:
Itching
Redness
Blisters
Bumps
Flaking
Swelling
Sensitivity
Winter rash is characterised by skin that appears cracked with some flaking and redness. Also, winter skin rash can happen anywhere. However, it is most commonly seen in the areas exposed to the environment and with the least density of sebaceous glands. Common examples may be winter rash on hands, arms and legs.
Winter Rash Causes
A person is more prone to winter rash with a history of:
Rosacea
Eczema
Dermatitis
Asthma
Sensitive skin and
Allergies
Note: Any type of inflammation or disruption of skin barrier function prevents the skin from adapting to cold and dry environmental changes. Therefore, maintaining the skin barrier with proper hydration and ensuring adequate moisture levels in affected areas can be helpful.
Besides cold temperatures and low humidity, other winter skin rash causes may include:
Sunburn
Chemical-filled detergents and soaps
Viral or bacterial infections
Exposure to latex or latex allergy
High stress levels
Winter Rash Treatment
Winter rash treatment is usually simple and inexpensive. It primarily focuses on improving the skin barrier.
Emollients including ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycolic or lactic acid and urea helps bind water to the skin and maintain adequate skin hydration levels.
Increase the water intake and drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated throughout the day during winters.
Use of petroleum jelly helps seal in the moisture in the skin and prevent further dryness and damage.
Use natural soaps made with ingredients like oatmeal or dab the most affected areas of the skin with a clean piece cloth dipped in whole milk.
Use a cortisone cream as advised for the treatment of itchy winter skin rash.
Preventing Winter Rash
Winter skin diseases such as winter rash can be prevented by taking the following steps:
Use a humidifier: This can help maintain moisture levels in the cold and dry winter air.
Use a fragrance free soap: Fragranced soaps and body washes can be irritating to the skin. Replace these with fragrance-free options.
Wear gloves when heading out: Protect your hands from dry and cold air by covering them with gloves when heading out.
Wear sunscreen: Wearing sunscreen at all times, even in the winter months is crucial to protect the skin barrier from harmful UV rays of the sun. Make sure to reapply sunscreen in a time span of every two to three hours.
FAQs
1. How long does a winter rash last?
A winter skin rash lasts until it is properly treated or until the humidity levels return back to normal after the winter season is over.
2. How to cure a winter rash?
Winter skin rash or symptoms of cold rash can be treated with a combination of home remedies like using natural oils and soaps, avoiding cold exposure and using emollients as prescribed by the doctor.
3. What does a winter rash look like?
The cold and dry air in the winter season may leave the skin dry, itchy and scaly. In some cases, winter rash may also appear as red patches with bumps and sometimes blisters.
4. What is the best product for winter rash?
Natural oils such as virgin coconut oil help soothe irritated skin and replenish the low moisture levels. Remember to apply on the skin as needed and avoid areas that are acne prone. Opt for non-fragranced bathing products like oatmeal soaps.
Article By Dr. Shweta Bansal
Consultant - Dermatology
Artemis Hospitals
