Nine Common Winter Skin Conditions and How to Ease Them

Photo Courtesy to Flickr User Chris Buhr

Winter is not easy on your skin. From the dry air outside to the lack of humidity inside, skin can easily get irritated and dehydrated, causing itching and flakiness. Dry skin is a winter condition we’re all familiar with, but do you know all of the conditions that are caused by harsh winter air? Below are common conditions that occur from exposure to cold air and ways that you can ease the pain. 

Acne 
Over-production of oil can lead to clogged pores, dead skin cells and bacteria on the skin, but dry skin can cause acne as well. Acne can happen on any part of the body, but it is most common on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and upper arms. Reducing the number of times that you touch your skin, especially your face, can help reduce acne, as well. A dermatologist can also recommend a topical regimen to help rid your skin of acne issues. Gentle cleansers and moisturizers can also help pesky acne that is caused by the cold. 

Eczema 
Eczema causes skin to become itchy, dry and irritated. It’s most common on the elbows, knees, hands and face. The best way to treat the irritated skin is to use a fragrance-free moisturizer and to avoid bathing more than once per day, since eczema is worsened when water settles on your skin. If the breakout is severe, there are steroids that can help relieve symptoms, as well. 

Chapped Lips 
Nothing is worse than cracking, red, chapped lips during the winter months. Chapped lips are one of the biggest issues people complain about during the winter season. Lips have a very thin layer of skin and are the most likely part of your face to dry out due to the dry winter air, wind and low humidity indoors. Splitting and cracking can also occur in severe cases, which is painful, does not heal easily and can act as a breeding ground for infection. One of the most common mistakes people make is licking their lips while out in the cold. This causes severe lip irritation and can making the chapping worse. Lip balm can ease and heal chapped lips by adding moisture and extra hydration. Many lip balms also contain healing medication that can cool and ease lip pain, as well. For more information on chapped lips, read our previous blog post on the topic here. 

Raynaud’s Disease 
For a person suffering from Raynaud’s disease, when the body gets too cold, the blood vessels spasm and constrict, resulting in a circulation issue. The affected area often becomes extremely pale, and the coloration between the affected skin and the healthy skin is apparent. If the body is exposed to the cold for a long period of time, the affected area can turn a deep purple from the lack of oxygen. When the skin finally warms up, it gets red, swollen and tingly, and it can be very painful. People who suffer from Raynaud’s can manage the symptoms by dressing in layers and wearing protective winter clothing, such as gloves, thick socks and insulated shoes, when they will be outside for long periods of time. 

Windburn 
Is the wind causing you to look like Rudolph? Cold winter wind can cause windburn, a skin irritation that causes dry, red, burning skin. To ease windburn, wear clothing that covers exposed skin when you’ll be outside. Scarves, coats and hats can help reduce the skin’s exposure and keep your skin protected and healthy. 

Winter Itch 
Do your hands and feet feel like sandpaper? Dry skin is not fun to experience. However, it’s nearly unavoidable when you’re forced to stay inside with the heat on during the cold winter months. Heat can dry skin out and make it flaky, irritated and itchy. The cold, outside air is also extremely dry and pulls the moisture out of skin. Using moisturizer and skin healing lotions can replenish your skin’s hydration. 

Psoriasis 
Psoriasis is a condition that is activated when the body’s defenses are alerted and your skin produces too many skin cells, which results in dry, flaky, scaly patches on the skin. The condition starts as a collection of small red bumps, then it progresses to these patches that are commonly found on the scalp, elbows, knees, hands and feet. The condition is incurable, but there are treatments that can calm the symptoms, including hydrocortisone, vitamin D and vitamin A creams, as well as treatments containing coal tar. Stress can exacerbate the condition, as well, so you can also try common relaxation techniques to keep psoriasis under control. 

Cold Uriticaria 
We’ve all heard of sun allergies, but have you heard of an allergy to the cold? Cold uriticaria is also known as cold hives. Large red welts, resulting from an allergy to the cold, appear on the skin. These welts are itchy and uncomfortable and can be as large as an inch in diameter. Some people may receive relief from antihistamine cream, but the most effective way to relieve the pain is by avoiding prolonged exposure to the cold. 

Rosacea 
Rosacea can cause your skin to look like you just ran a marathon, as it causes flushing and reddening of the face. An extremely common condition, rosacea isn’t just a winter issue, but it can flare up in any kind of extreme weather. It mainly affects the face, and it often looks and feels as though the person is blushing. Some people get bumps and pustules or dry eyes and eyelids along with the redness. If you suffer from rosacea, stay away from caffeine, alcohol, spicy food, wine, cheese and yogurt, as they can make rosacea worse. There are antibiotics that can ease rosacea, and skin peels and other treatments may help as well. For more information on rosacea, read our previous blog post on the topic here.

Common Infant Skin Conditions and How to Deal

Entering into the world of parenthood can be an overwhelming venture. The number of things you have to remember and take care of can seem vast, but when it comes to skin problems on your little one, we’re here to help. In this blog we’ll share a few common skin conditions that most infants experience and what to do about them.

Common Infant Skin Conditions:

Intertrigo

Occurs most often in babies younger than six months old

What is it?

Intertrigo is an irritant dermatitis that often surfaces as a red, raw and sometimes oozing rash that is found in babies’ skin folds, primarily in their chin and neck areas. It is caused by excessive moisture (normally from excessive drool or spit-up) that has collected in your baby’s skin creases that are not directly exposed to air. This rash can lead to bacterial and fungal infections and should be monitored regularly.

What are the treatments?

We recommend keeping the area as dry as possible by blotting the rash. Never rub it! Using a hair dryer on the low setting with cool air is another way to air-dry the irritated spot. We do not recommend applying ointments, which can lock in moisture and encourage the development of a bacterial infection.

Cradle Cap

Occurs most often in babies younger than six months old

What is it?

Cradle cap, known in the medical world as infantile seborrheic dermatitis, is a rash that can appear on your child’s scalp and eyebrows. It can also appear behind the ears or on the neck, cheeks and chest. Cradle cap is often compared to dandruff due to the rash’s dry, flaky nature. The cause of the dandruff is unknown, and it doesn’t normally cause discomfort to infants.

What are the treatments?

Cradle cap often goes away on its own. If your child is experiencing a more severe case, try washing the scalp with baby shampoo once a day. Make sure that all the shampoo is rinsed off of the baby’s scalp to prevent more drying of the skin. 

Eczema

Begins to show in babies older than six months old

What is it?

Eczema is a chronic skin condition that appears in dry, itchy patches on your baby’s skin. In some babies, the rash can also appear red and weepy. Some infants experience mild eczema and others have more serious cases, but it’s rarely dangerous, as 20 percent of all babies will experience some form eczema. It is most common in children with a family history of eczema. In infants, eczema most often appears on the cheeks, forehead and scalp, as well as on the elbows and knees, the body parts most commonly used in crawling.

What are the treatments?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for eczema, but there are ways to ease your child’s discomfort. We recommend a short, warm bath with unscented soap. You should also moisturize your child’s skin two times daily with a cream or ointment to help seal in moisture. Other treatments, like steroid ointments, are available for older children, but they are not ideal for infants.

Contact Dermatitis

Occurs in infants of all ages

What is it?

Contact dermatitis occurs when the skin becomes irritated by something it has come in contact with. Grass, jewelry, soaps and detergents are a few common culprits. The rash can be red and mild or it can be harsh, forming large oozing bumps. In infants, the rash is most often caused by drool or wet or soiled diapers.

What are the treatments?

The rash will normally disappear after a few weeks, but it can also be treated with common ointments used to treat diaper rash, like A&D cream.

If you have any questions about any of these skin conditions, click here to visit our website or call 901-759-2322.

Common Skin Changes During Pregnancy

With all the changes taking place inside your body as a result of your pregnancy, it should come as no surprise that you might see some changes on the outside, too (other than the baby bump!). While many people think that pregnancy only produces negative side effects for the skin and body, knowing what to expect and how to care for your skin can help make the next nine months just a little less stressful. And don’t worry. It’s not all bad!

What kind of changes can occur?

• Stretch marks (striae) – This is a form of scarring that occurs when the dermis is stretched beyond its limit or during drastic hormonal changes. They appear on the skin as pink, purple or red streaks and normally fade over time, resulting in shiny white or gray lines. For more information on stretch marks and preventing them, check out our blog post on the subject here.
• Skin darkening (pregnancy mask) – It is common for pregnant women (especially women with darker complexions) to develop blotchy areas of darkened skin. These patches may be caused by hormonal changes that stimulate a temporary increase in your production of melanin, the substance that gives color to your skin, hair and eyes. New patches may appear and current spots may worsen with sun exposure.
• Fixes: Protect your skin by using a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen every day and avoid sun exposure as much as possible during pregnancy. Wash your face twice daily using gentle oil-free and soap-free cleansers. For more information on facial cleansers, read our blog post here.
• Pregnancy glow – This isn’t just an old wives’ tale. The increased volume of blood causes the cheeks to take on an attractive blush. Increased secretions of the oil glands give the skin a waxy sheen, which also make your skin appear to glow.
• Acne breakouts – More than half of pregnant women experience problems with acne during their pregnancy. An increased level of hormones and retention of fluids that can contain toxins are often the root cause of the breakouts. Always tell your dermatologist if you’re expecting, as some acne drugs should not be used during pregnancy.
• Fixes: Like with other problems, washing your face gently twice a day with oil-free and soap-free cleansers will reduce existing breakouts and help prevent more from occurring. Avoid using harsh chemicals, vigorous scrubbing or cleansing too often as this can remove natural oils from your skin, making it produce excess oil to compensate.
• Varicose and spider veins – During pregnancy, the extra blood in your body and growing uterus can cause your veins to expand. Varicose veins are often blue, red or flesh-toned in color, usually appearing on the thighs, backs of calves, buttocks or on the inside the legs. Varicose veins may look like clusters of veins surrounded by thin red capillaries, known as spider veins. Spider veins are similar, but appear smaller and closer to the surface of the skin.
• Fixes: Exercise regularly and try to maintain your recommended weight to ensure healthy blood flow. Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time. While sitting, elevate your feet when possible and don’t cross your legs or ankles.
• Itchy abdomen – As your bump grows, the expanding skin becomes moisture-deprived, leaving it uncomfortably itchy.
• Fixes: Don’t scratch as this will only cause further skin irritation. Cocoa butter, lotion or even petroleum jelly will help provide your skin with the necessary moisture it needs as your skin expands. Too many baths and overheated water can also strip your skin of moisture, and will often make skin itchier. Stick to short showers in warm water. Taking an oatmeal or baking soda bath can help moisturize skin while easing itching.
• Linea nigra – This is a dark line running from your belly button to pubic bone. It was there prior to your pregnancy, but you probably didn’t notice it because it was the same color as your skin. The same increase of melanin that is responsible for darkened skin spots causes this line on your belly. This will more than likely fade to its normal color after delivery.
• Red palms and soles – This condition is caused by an increase in estrogen and blood volume, but will disappear after you give birth.
• Eczema – Eczema, or dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition or rash that is hereditary and can be triggered by exposure to environmental allergens, chemicals, detergents, yeast and metals. Pregnancy tends to either make you experience more flare-ups or go into remission, but there’s no way to tell which will happen to you.
• Fixes: Moisturize your skin gently and frequently. Again, sticking to short showers in warm water (instead of long, hot baths) will help your skin retain its moisture. 
• Heat rash and chafing – This is caused by hormones, sweating and friction from skin rubbing against itself or clothing. Symptoms are usually found under the breasts or on thighs.
• Fixes: To combat a heat rash, avoid further friction from scrubbing the skin with loofahs or sponges. You may also try applying cornstarch to your skin after you shower. Wear loose-fitting, natural fiber clothes. Breathable fabric like cotton is best. Tight clothing may cause chafing, heat rash or itchy skin.
• PUPPP (pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy) – The PUPPP rash is relatively uncommon, found in just one of every 150 pregnancies. It is usually found on the abdomen, but can spread to the thighs. While PUPPP is annoying, it is benign and poses no threat to your baby.
• Fixes: As previously stated, oatmeal or baking soda baths may help sooth itchiness. Applying a cold compress may also help relieve itching.
• Sensitive skin – Surging hormones make skin more sensitive to substances and materials that might not normally affect you. These may include sunlight, heat, detergents, chlorine and even certain foods. Your stretching belly is usually the most sensitive spot, but you may also experience sensitivity on your hips, thighs and buttocks.
• Changing keratin levels – Keratin is a structural component of your skin, hair and nails. During pregnancy, keratin levels are affected, but everyone experiences these changing levels differently. Some women’s hair and nails may become shiny and luxurious, while others may get greasy and oily. No matter which change you experience, it will most likely return to normal after giving birth.

General skin care during pregnancy

• Stay hydrated by drinking 64 ounces of water each day to make skin appear smoother and brighter.
• Maintain a healthy diet. For more information on foods that promote skin health, read our blog post here.
• For extremely itchy and irritated patches of skin (from PUPPP, heat rash or eczema), a dab of calamine lotion should temporarily ease itching.
• Consult your doctor or dermatologist before taking any skin-related medications or steroids, or applying anti-itch creams.

The Spotty Child: Rashes and When to Worry

A red spot on your child’s skin could be any number of things. These rashes that occur during childhood are very common and usually can be cured with tender loving care and time. However, medical care may be necessary. Here’s the skinny of five of the most common childhood rashes. If you find anything concerning, making an appointment with a dermatologist is the best thing to do. 

Chickenpox (Varicella)

If you’ve had chickenpox, you probably remember your friends or siblings having it too. That is because it is one of the most contagious diseases. In the United States alone, about 3.9 million people a year contract chickenpox. It is easily spread when an infected person touches, sneezes, coughs or shares food or drink.

Symptoms 

The first symptoms often are fever, headache, sore throat and sometimes drowsiness or loss of appetite. After a couple of days, an itchy rash and red spots or blisters will appear all over the body, although some children get the chickenpox rash without having the early symptoms. The skin irritations go through four stages over a one- to two-day period: blistering, bursting, drying and crusting. This lasts about 10 days after the first symptoms start.

Treatment

Contact and/or visit your doctor when symptoms start. For regular cases, home treatment is all your child needs. This includes a lot of rest, taking medicine to reduce fever and itching and avoiding contact with others. A popular home remedy is to soak in an oatmeal bath to help fight the itching.

Risk

As with all infections, special care or medicine may be necessary for children and adults with long-term diseases or immune system problems.

Prevention

A vaccine is available for children ages 12 months and older and adults who have not had the chickenpox.

Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease

This is an infectious disease caused by the coxsackie virus. It occurs most often in children younger than 10 years old. It is a contagious disease that can be spread through saliva, fluid from blisters or the stool of an infected person.

Symptoms

As the name implies, it is characterized by blisters on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and in the mouth. Additional symptoms include fever, sore throat and headache. The infection usually last about seven to 10 days.

Treatment 

There is no medical treatment for hand-foot-mouth disease. Pain relievers and saltwater mouth rinses can be used to ease pain.

Risk

Complications are VERY RARE, but can happen. Viral meningitis, inflammation of the brain, and fingernail and toenail loss have been connected to the disease.

Prevention

No vaccine is available. Just remind your child to take everyday precautions such as washing their hands and avoiding contact with a child that might be infected.

Roseola Infantum (Sixth Disease)

This is a common, but harmless, disease for children ages six months to 2 years old. As you may have guessed by the name, its main feature is a rosy-pink rash on the skin. It is caused by two common viruses that are spread by fluid from the nose or throat.

Symptoms

The first symptom is a high fever that can last anywhere from two to eight days. After the fever subsides, a non-itchy rash may appear. The rash most often presents on a child’s torso, neck or arms. Sore throat, stomachache, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea may occur in rare cases.

Treatment

The rash will go away without any medical treatment. Pain relievers and sponge baths can be used to ease the pain.

Prevention

No vaccine is available. Just remind your child to take everyday precautions such as washing their hands and avoiding contact with a child that might be infected.

Contact Dermatitis

The most common form of dermatitis is an allergic reaction to contact with poison ivy, poison oak or sumac. These plants have sap oil called urushiol, which triggers the allergic reaction. Estimates show that about 75 percent of people in the United States have some degree of sensitivity to urushiol.

Symptoms

Mild skin redness or a rash of small red bumps will form on any skin that has been in contact with the sap oil. In severe cases swelling, redness and large blisters can occur. The rash usually lasts for five to 21 days.

Treatment

Washing with cold water immediately after contact can help reduce the rash. After about an hour, it won’t be as effective. DO NOT jump into a hot shower. This can cause the rash to spread. Most treatments are directed to help control the itching, such as Benadryl or cortisone creams. Calamine lotion, oatmeal baths and cool compresses also are common.

Prevention

Warn your children to avoid the poisonous plants! Easier said then done, right? Common phrases to help remember are “leaves of three, let it be” for poison ivy and “berries white, a poisonous sight” for poison oak and sumac.

Ringworm

Myth – ringworm is caused by contact with worms. It is a skin infection caused by fungus that lives off of dead skin, hair and nail tissue. It is very contagious and can be spread by contact with an infected person or animal or towels, clothing or sports gear. Ringworm grows best in warm, moist areas such as locker rooms and swimming pools.

Symptoms

A very itchy rash that usually is in a round shape, like a ring. If infected on the hand, the skin will get thick, dry and scaly.

Treatment

The most common treatment is using over-the-counter or prescription creams, depending on the severity of the infection. If untreated, the skin can become infected with bacteria and will need antibiotics.

Prevention

Avoiding an infected person, animal or item is the No. 1 prevention method. Other tips include having your child wear sandals in locker rooms and around public pools, showering after playing sports and changing their underwear and socks at least once a day.

If you notice an abnormal rash or marking on your child’s skin, or have any questions about skin irritations, call us at 901-759-2322. We will be glad to answer any questions or set up an appointment to assess your child’s situation.

The Itchy Child Eczema Issue

Eczema almost seems to be a buzzword nowadays. With more than 15 million Americans suffering from eczema, odds are you know someone who is dealing with it.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for eczema, but it can be treated. Eczema almost always presents itself in infancy, or at least by the time a child is 5 years old. I’ve answered a few questions below, as well as offered some tips for treating pediatric eczema.

If I missed anything, comment on this post, and I’ll answer it for you!

What is eczema?

Eczema is a chronic skin condition that involves itchy, red rashes, dry skin and breakouts. It is primarily a hereditary condition, running in the same gene pools as asthma and allergies. Approximately 80 percent of cases present before a child turns 5 years old.

What can I do about it?

Eczema is inconvenient and annoying to the child suffering from the condition, but unfortunately, there is no cure.  Eczema can be treated though.

Follow these tips to avoid breakouts:

• Avoid irritants like harsh soaps, allergies, sweating too much or any allergies your child may have.
• Moisturize daily.
• Talk to a doctor about topical steroids or other medications that can help control breakouts when they happen. 

How can I recognize eczema in my child?

Eczema almost always presents before a child turns 5 years old. The symptoms include:

• Red, itchy rashes
• Dry, cracked skin
• Affected areas feel warm to the touch
• Raised bumps and blisters

If you recognize the symptoms of eczema in your child, contact Advanced Dermatology to set up an appointment to discuss treatments and your child’s case today.