Burns, Cuts, and Scrapes. Twelve Complexion-Sparing Steps To Counter Winter Woes
Description
This article is from the Health Articles series.
Burns, Cuts, and Scrapes. Twelve Complexion-Sparing Steps To Counter Winter Woes
Pruritus hiemalis may sound like an exotic disease, but it's actually the medical term for dry skin. For some people, dryness is a year-round annoyance. Millions of others are bothered mainly in winter when cold air and low humidity join forces to draw moisture from skin.
The result may be mild flaking, simply a cosmetic concern. But often it leads to chapping, cracking, or what is called an "itch-scratch-itch cycle," which, in extreme cases, can lead to infections.
And as if that isn't enough, there's also winter sunburn. Even when the air is brisk, the sun's damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays shine through. What's more, that radiation reflects off snow and ice, potentially giving your face double the exposure it gets in summer.
Fortunately, a few simple strategies can keep dryness at bay:
- Begin by lowering the thermostat in your house to around 68o F. to save some of your skin's natural moisture. Moisturizing the air with a humidifier can help, too.
- Take a bath rather than a shower and use lukewarm water-no warmer than 90o F.-instead of steaming hot.
- Use a mild cleansing bar, such as Dove or Neutrogena, rather than a detergent-based or deodorant soap.
- Pat or blot skin with a towel and immediately slather on a moisturizer made with petroleum, lanolin, mineral oil, or phospholipids. This will replenish and seal in the skin's natural fluids.
All moisturizers work best if applied frequently and liberally, especially immediately after washing or bathing, when skin is still damp. Pay special attention to hands, feet, arms, and legs, which have fewer sebaceous glands to lubricate them naturally.
Moisturizers containing alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic and lactic acids, are very effective because they stimulate the shedding of flaky surface skin cells. This improves skin texture and tone and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Caution: Since using a nonprescription AHA once a day can yield great results, some people are tempted to slather it on too often. Overuse, however, can cause severe skin irritation. Also, products that contain AHAs may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. If you use AHAs, always protect your skin during daylight hours-even in winter.
- If your skin is sensitive, look for products with these words on the label: nonacnegenic, noncomedogenic, nonallergenic, or hypoallergenic.
- Exfoliate all over weekly to remove any lingering dead skin cells. Using a washcloth dampened in warm water, gently rub your skin. Or try a commercial exfoliating product that contains small, skin-cleansing granules (On your face, use only very gentle products).
- Wear broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) facial sunscreen with a sun-protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, even if you go outside for short periods of time.
- Invest in a scarf, a hat with a wide brim, and gloves to protect your scalp, face, and hands from the elements.
If your skin is so dry that it doesn't respond to over-the-counter (OTC) moisturizers, speak with your doctor. Topical corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone ointment, reduce inflammation. And, on the advice of a doctor, they may be used with plastic wrap to rehydrate seriously dry, cracked skin. This method, however, is never used on the face or on children.
OTC anti-itch creams, such as Lanacane, which contain a mild topical anesthetic, may help stop the itching and stop you from scratching. Your doctor may also prescribe an antihistamine, such as hydroxyzine, to reduce redness, inflammation, and itching.
Cold Sore or Canker Sore?
Cold Sores (also known as fever blisters)
Cause: Herpes simplex type 1 virus, which is very contagious.
Where they appear: On moist surfaces in the mouth or nostrils.
Symptoms: Burning, soreness, or tightening of skin before blisters develop; then a reddish, oozing, crusting lump.
Treatment: Heals on its own in 8 to 10 days. The prescription cream containing penciclovir (Denavir) may shorten healing time. OTC acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen may help relieve pain. Petroleum jelly dabbed onto the area will keep it moist and protected.
Canker Sores
Cause: Unknown, but canker sores are not contagious.
Where they appear: Inside the mouth on the lining of the cheek, tongue, or inner lips.
Symptoms: Whitish-yellow spot, surrounded by a red border.
Treatment: Protect the surface of the sore with denture adhesive to decrease pain or use an OTC cream or gel containing benzocaine or dyclonine. You can also take an OTC pain reliever, such as acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen, and try to avoid spicy and acidic foods for a few days. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe a stronger medication.
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