Introduction
Winter brings a host of challenges for the skin, from dry skin and chapped lips to more severe conditions like eczema. The cold air, combined with low humidity levels, draws moisture away from the skin, leading to various dermatological issues. Renowned Dermatologist Prof. Dr. Shaba Amman, General Secretary of the Pakistan Association of Dermatology and a Professor at the Services Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS), sheds light on how winter exacerbates skin problems and the necessary measures to protect the skin during this season.
1. The Impact of Winter on Skin Health
In the cold season, more or less everyone has to face problems like dry skin, chapped lips and heels, peeling hands, swollen fingers etc. Due to lack of moisture on the skin in winter.
Young and attractive skin is the best jewel of the delicate sex. Skin cannot be as spacious as the heart and mind, but young, healthy, soft and beautiful skin is the capital of every woman. Looking beautiful is the dream of every woman. Women have a special tendency to protect their skin. There are about 3000 rash diseases in the world.
2. Renowned Dermatologist: Prof. Dr. Shaba Amman
Regarding the protection of the skin in the cold season and the early diseases of this season, the discussion with the dermatologist Prof. Dr. Shaba Amman is available to the readers.
3. Dermatology and Skin Health
Renowned Dermatologist Prof. Dr. Shaba Amman is the General Secretary of Pakistan Association of Dermatology. He is a Professor of Skin at Services Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS).
He has authored 51 research papers, 3 books and 10 international research papers on acute diseases. Prof. Dr. Shaba Amman completed his MBBS from King Edward Medical College in 1989 and started working as a House Officer at Mayo Hospital. First worked in medicine and then in dermatology. He specialized in acute diseases in 1999 and continued to perform his duties at Mayo Hospital till 2014.
Professor Dr. Sheba Amman said, “The covering of the human heart, brain, liver, kidney, etc. is the skin. The skin is a very large organ of the body.” From head to toe, every human being is wrapped in skin.
Chronic diseases affect a person’s quality of life. Therefore, there is a demand for quality of life and cosmetic look in this sector. In general medicine practice, 40% of patients come for urgent diseases.
In view of this, I joined Dermatology and did MCPS from College of Physician and Surgeon Pakistan in 93 and FCPS in Dermatology in 99.
4. Effects of Weather on Skin
Skin is directly affected by weather conditions. In the winter season where there are colds, flu, cough, fever infection etc. and other diseases, this season is also very important in terms of quick diseases.
5. Common Winter Skin Problems
Many acute diseases intensify in cold weather, which can be cured only with special care and timely treatment. Rash problems increase in winter as compared to summer. In summer, the skin does not dry out due to sweat and its sebum.
6. Skin Dryness and Care
In winter, the humidity in the air is less. Air draws moisture from the human body and people complain of dry, rough, cracked and itchy skin.
Cold winds affect our skin and hair. Cold winds leave their negative effects especially on dry skin. 90% of people have normal skin, but even normal skin needs to be protected from weather effects in any case. In the winter season, the windows and doors of the houses are usually closed, due to which all the entrances of the outside air are closed, as a result of which the moisture in the air in the room is lost and the air becomes drier.
In this way the dryness of the skin also increases. Like other parts of the body, the skin of the head also becomes dry in winter and complaints of dryness in the head become common. Due to dandruff, the roots of the hair are affected and the hair becomes weak and falls out. It also happens that the dryness of the head reaches our eyebrows and ears and it gives rise to a state of anxiety and restlessness.
The fungus appears on the head, face, body and nails. Often, women’s fingernails become damaged by working in water, i.e. by washing dishes, the different colors of the nails become black, green and brown, and the nails also become inflamed. Fungus grows due to water and injury.
People who have sensitive skin may have seen a pointy-shaped discoloration on the skin in any part of their body, which the common people call dandruff, this is also a fungus.
7. Fungus and Eczema
Eczema is also called fungus. In winter, especially on our hands and feet, the skin feels dry and itchy. It can also be a type of eczema, which requires treatment.
8. Increase in Eczema Cases
There has been a 3% increase in eczema patients in industrialized countries around the world. In this rash disease, itching, inflammation and red spots appear on the skin.
9. Eczema Symptoms and Causes
In this rash disease, itching, inflammation and red spots appear on the skin. Some of the main symptoms of this disease include itching, inflammation, dryness, bleeding, and skin eruptions. Its causes include food allergies such as milk, egg allergies, pets, house dust, pollen, etc. Worldwide, 15% to 20% of children and about 3% of adults are affected by this disease.
10. Prevention and Treatment of Eczema
Avoid bathing with soaps or shampoos that irritate the skin to reduce eczema.
11. General Winter Skin Care Tips
If the itching caused by dry skin is not treated, it can affect the whole body. Many patients consider it to be a minor and seasonal discomfort and use normal lotions and moisturizers to relieve it, but these do not relieve, but in some cases aggravate, the complaint. They should consult a dermatologist immediately, as this complaint can be transmitted from one person to another. Separate the patient’s pillow, towel, sheet, comb, soap, and all other items that may cause skin rashes. I use In this way; other members of the house will be protected from this disease. Scabies spreads rapidly. Children, especially newborns, have very sensitive skin and can be easily affected by scabies.
Prof. Dr. Shaba Amman, in response to a question, said, “In cold weather, more or less everyone faces quick problems like dry skin, chapped lips and heels, peeling skin on hands, and fingernails.” Swelling etc. Due to the lack of moisture on the skin in winter, the skin of the face, hands, feet and lips start to crack.
12. Lip Care in Winter
Thus, in winter, the lips of all people remain dry, but those whose skin is sensitive, their lips are badly affected. To solve this problem they should use lip balm. Don’t run your tongue over your lips. Before going to bed at night, massage your lips from above and during the day massage them with olive oil. Apart from this, mixing equal amounts of coconut and almond oil and applying it on your lips is also beneficial.
13. Moisturizers for Different Skin Types
Women with dry skin should choose a moisturizer that provides the required amount of moisture to the skin. Sensitive skin needs special attention in winters. Generally, women with oily skin believe that because their skin is smooth, it will not dry out and does not require much care, although even women with oily skin should regularly use moisturizers and natural ingredients on the skin. should be used. The color of some women also turns black, so when cold winds start blowing, the use of soap on the face should be reduced as much as possible, it dries the skin.
14. Hydration and Diet for Skin Health
Drink at least eight glasses of water a day to keep the skin fresh. Use cold cream or lotion whenever you wash your face and hands and feet to prevent dryness. Keep the amount of moisturizer on the face less.
Remove excess oil with the help of a cotton ball or a tissue roll as excess oil can lead to breakouts on the face. Place a wet towel on the face and gently press it or splash water on the face, then pat the face with the towel and immediately apply moisturizer. Dry skin contains very fine pores. Dry skin looks good as a teenager, but with age, if not properly cared for, it can lead to premature deep lines and rough, cracked skin. With a little care, dry skin can look just like normal skin. It is possible to get rid of dry skin, even if only temporarily. The most worrying thing for people with such skin is that when they reach the age of 20 or 25, wrinkles start to appear on the face, especially with women. This problem is common.
15. Tips for Bathing and Skin Protection
Bathing with hot water for a long time also causes skin dryness, so while taking a bath in cold weather, make sure that the water is lukewarm and the duration of the bath is not more than ten minutes.
Also, to protect the skin, take baby oil or any other oil in the water before bathing and put a few drops of it in the water. Massage the body with mustard or coconut oil. This method is very helpful in keeping the skin fresh. Also, dry your body thoroughly after bathing and massage with a good body lotion. It is also beneficial to wash your face and apply a good cold cream every night before going to bed.
To protect skin from dryness in winters, wash your face with mild soap and water before going to bed at night, clean your skin with a ‘Deep Pore Cleanser’. Must apply petroleum jelly on hands and feet at night while sleeping.
16. Makeup Tips for Winter
Special care should also be taken while applying make-up in cold weather. Use a quality moisturizer before makeup so that the skin remains soft and supple and the makeup does not feel dry and cracked.
Water consumption should be increased in winter. The consumption of tea and coffee should be reduced because the use of these things increases the water loss from the body. A balanced diet is also important. Moisturizers available in ointment form give better results to protect dry skin. Women can keep their dry skin healthy and fresh by drinking lots of water daily.
Foods that is high in minerals and vitamins. Absorb as much oxygen as possible in the morning. In winter, you can use malt, orange, carrot, radish and other seasonal fruits to fill the body’s water deficit. Cold cream should not be used on oily skin. Such people can apply coconut oil on their skin. To keep the skin fresh and fresh in winters, using a quality cold cream and moisturizer at night while sleeping will retain the necessary moisture in the skin and also protect the skin from the effects of cold weather.
17. Care for Cracked Heels
A major problem in winter is cracked heels, which are not only painful but also unsightly. Mix four spoons of glycerin with one lemon juice and two pinches of ground alum and apply it on cracked heels two to three times a day. At night, mix salt and a spoon of mustard oil in warm water and keep both feet in it for ten minutes, then clean with a sieve or a soft brush. Sleep with socks on.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the winter season demands extra care and attention for maintaining healthy skin. As highlighted by Prof. Dr. Shaba Amman, understanding the impact of cold weather on the skin and implementing appropriate skincare routines are crucial. Moisturizers, proper hydration, and protective measures can help mitigate the adverse effects of winter on the skin. By following these guidelines, individuals can enjoy healthier, more resilient skin even during the harshest winter months.
