Many of us may currently be experiencing itchy skin at the moment, with the weather now colder and less moisture in the air. Central heating and things like hot baths can also cause skin to become dehydrated and sore, so it’s especially important to drink plenty of water and to use moisturising creams and oils during the winter months.
Lauren Bell, founder of Cosi Care, told the ECHO: “Our skin becomes a lot more irritated and sore during the winter months due to exposure to cold, dry air and sudden temperature changes when trying to warm ourselves up. The dry air will suck moisture out of the skin causing it to become itchy – this is known as the winter itch. ”
Here Lauren shares some common causes of itchy skin – and how to ease irritation.
Heating
With the central heating switched on almost every day during the colder months, the air inside your home turns dry. Investing in a humidifier can reduce the drying effect the heating has on your skin by adding moisture to the air.
A more cost effective option is to place a bowl of water near the radiator as well as turning down the temperature on the thermostat.
Temperature change
Going from outside in the freezing cold, to a warm building is likely to have a negative impact on your skin irritation. The sudden shock of temperature change can leave your skin feeling itchy and sore.
Protect your skin barrier by applying moisturiser regularly throughout the day to lock in the natural oils. When outside during wintertime, keep your skin covered with hats, gloves and scarves to protect it from the cold drying effect.
Hot baths and showers
Hot water can strip the natural oils and moisture from your skin, making it flare up and become irritated. Harsh soaps used in the bath can also cause the skin to feel tight and itchy.
To keep the skin as hydrated as possible, avoid running a bath or shower at very hot temperatures and pat yourself dry rather than rubbing a towel on irritated skin. Make sure to use a strong, fragrance free body cream to keep the skin moisturised.
Hot drinks
Having a hot drink will not directly cause winter rash on the skin, but these drinks can sometimes be dehydrating if they contain caffeine – which acts as a diuretic, flushing water out of the body.
Make sure to drink plenty of water, particularly when consuming hot drinks. A good practice is to sip on a large bottle of water throughout the day, rather than chugging a glass in one go.
Wool jumpers
Fabrics such as wool and synthetics can seriously irritate the skin and cause it to become itchy because they aren’t breathable. Wool also contains a natural oil called lanolin. Some people are allergic to lanolin and can develop allergic contact dermatitis when exposed to it.
To avoid triggering any skin flare ups avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes and scratchy fabrics. Wearing a layer of loose cotton or silk underneath any irritable clothing can help.
Spending more time indoors
Spending more time inside during winter can cause increased exposure to allergens such as dust mites, pet dander and mould. This can be a trigger for eczema flare ups for those sensitive to these.
Try to avoid these triggers as much as possible – such as buying a dust-proof mattress and pillow covers, keeping windows open to allow fresh air through and keeping away from any animals.
Itchy skin is also common after the menopause, and it usually gets better over time. The symptom can also be caused by insect bites, chicken pox, and skin conditions such as psoriasis or ringworm.
If you have itchy skin and suspect it could be something serious, contact your GP.