How to treat winter rash with 5 basic steps.

Winter rashes are commonly seen during winter and it could be really irritating as people want to enjoy this season. Long chilly strolls, hot coffee, soaking in the winter sun, and long hot showers are delightful winter essentials, but not for the skin. Dry and cold weather can cause skin irritation and/or redness aka winter rash.

This skin condition is quite common and reoccurs every year when the temperature drops (Winter season). Especially people living in hilly areas or cold weather have experienced it at least once. It is really important to maintain a good skin care routine during winter season. If not taken care of it might stay throughout the winter but fortunately, it can be managed through simple steps.

What is a Winter Rash?

Winter rash is commonly seen as a patch causing irritation and itching caused due to cold weather during winter. The symptoms seen during winter rashes are swelling, itching, blisters, and flaky skin. But it is usually seen around the small parts of the body and can worsen if not taken care of at the time.

What causes Winter Rashes?

Winter Rash On Hands

One of the primary causes of winter rashes is the loss of moisture from the skin, especially during winter. The natural oil produced by our body helps in forming a protective layer around the skin.

As the cold air present during the winter causes the skin to suck all the moisture and reduce natural oil. Sometimes, getting exposed to heaters and high temperatures can lead to heat rash during winter. It is because the pores are blocked and the sweat is retained.

Other common causes of winter rash are lifestyle or taking a certain type of medicine causing winter rash. Even exposure to UV Rays is another common cause of it. So, it becomes important to apply sunscreen. There are other common causes which include the skin problems like

Eczema:- It is the condition that makes the skin inflamed and dry. Eczema can also become worst by using soaps that are harsh or too much exposure to UV Rays.

Rosacea:- It is a type of skin rash resulting in inflammation of the blood vessels and could get worse during the winter season.

Psoriasis:- Autoimmune skin condition causing the skin cells to divide rapidly and form plaque on different body parts. Low humidity during the winter season can aggravate the symptoms.

What are the Effective ways to manage Winter Rashes?

Winter Dry Skin Rash Treatment

Moisturize

For any winter problem, there is one solution that is definitely guaranteed and that is applying a good moisturizer. Providing enough nourishment to the skin is one of the first steps to defending the skin against the winter season. It helps in treating winter skin rashes and always goes for the lightweight moisturizer.

The daily application of good moisture will help in locking in the moisture. This will help to maintain that smooth texture and always remember to apply it on your hands and neck as well.

Natural Oils

If the packed moisturizers do not suit you then there are alternative natural ingredients that can in moisturizing the skin and these include:-

Shea butter:- It is one of the richest sources of Vitamin E and is packed with anti-inflammatory properties. The application of shea butter helps in soothing the skin and reducing irritation or itching. It has been found beneficial in skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema as well.
Coconut Oil:- It helps in soothing cracked and dry skin which is one of the common signs seen in winter rash. Coconut oil is packed with antibacterial as well as moisturizing property that helps in reducing rashes.

Sunscreen

People tend to forget to apply sunscreen during the winter season and it's a common misconception that protection from UV Rays is not needed during cold weather. It's important to wear sunscreen as direct exposure to the sun results in winter rashes.

Use sunscreen with a broad spectrum of 30 and it is important to apply it every 2 to 3 hours. Before that, it is also important to choose the right type of sunscreen.

Hydrating enough

What goes on inside of your body is what the body presents outside. So, if you are hydrating the body internally then the body might show symptoms like skin rashes. During the winter season, it is common to see that people do not feel thirsty and the intake of water is not enough.

So, instead, you can add lots of vegetables and fruits that can help in hydrating the skin.

Home Remedies

Aloe Vera:- It is packed with anti-inflammatory property which helps in soothing the skin and reducing itching. Along with that it also has anti-microbial properties making it perfect for reducing winter rash.

Just take one leave of Aloe vera and cut it into half to take out the clear pulp. Then, take out the gel and apply it directly to the affected part of the skin.

Oatmeal Mask:- Oatmeal has anti-oxidant as well as anti-inflammatory property which effectively soothes the skin and reduces dryness. One of the benefits of the oatmeal mask is that its suitable for all skin types.

Simply add honey to one spoon of oatmeal flour and make a thick paste out of it. Apply it directly to the face and the honey present in it is packed with anti-bacterial properties making it the perfect winter face mask and a simple solution to winter rash as well.

Take Aways

Winter season results in low humidity which causes the skin to become dry and flaky. While some people have sensitive skin and tend to suffer from extreme skin dryness and itching resulting in winter rash. Eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea are among the pre-existing medical condition causing winter rash.

But there are a few preventive measures that can help in providing the needed moisture and also reducing signs of winter rash. Applying moisture and keeping yourself hydrated is among the common ways to keep the skin hydrated while reducing winter moisture.

FAQs

Q. What results in skin rashes during winter?

Ans. It is a skin reaction caused due to cold weather and appears after getting exposed to the winter.

Q. What is the food that can help in reducing winter rash?

Ans. Including food items rich in probiotics like miso soup, yogurt, soft cheese and many more can help in reducing the flaring up of winter rash symptoms.