As the name suggests, winter itch is a problem that arises in cold climatic conditions. Read on to know more about this condition...
The low temperature and atmospheric humidity prevalent in winter months have a damaging effect on your skin. It extracts a lot of the moisture from the skin, which makes it dry. This condition is often termed as winter itch.
Symptoms
This condition can be identified with dry skin patches that induce a constant itching sensation. This irritation tends to worsen with time. The skin may turn scaly, and cracks develop on its surface.
Occasionally, bleeding may occur from the cracks. It mostly occurs on the face, hands, arms, and legs. It is most common on the face and hands, as these parts are most often exposed to cold and dry air.
Remedies
There are some simple measures that can be taken at home to effectively counteract this condition.
Apply Aloe Vera Gel:
Fresh aloe vera gel has a soothing effect on itching skin. Cut a fresh leaf of aloe vera. Remove its fleshy part. A gel-like substance that oozes out of it is what you apply directly on the skin. Creams that claim to contain aloe vera gel are the next best only if the actual plant isn't available.
Take an Oatmeal Bath:
Fill your bathtub with lukewarm or cold water. Never use hot water for bathing during winters, as it can make the skin even drier. Add 2 cups of finely grounded oatmeal into it. Soak yourself in this water for some time. This bath will have an amazing effect on both itchiness and dryness of skin. Similarly, you can use baking soda into your bath water.
Avoid Harsh Soaps:
Do not use any antibacterial soaps with strong chemicals. Select a mild soap, rich in fatty ingredients like coconut oil or cocoa butter. Such soaps do not strip off oils and essential moisture from the skin surface, and maintain the softness and suppleness of the skin.
Moisturize Your Skin:
Frequently apply skin moisturizer on dry skin when it is flaking and itching. Instead of a commercial product, use emu oil. You can apply this oil on your body and facial skin.
Emu oil will supply your skin with much-needed moisture and help to get rid of painful sensation associated with it. Petroleum jelly can also be used to obtain relief from winter itch.
Hydrate Your Body:
In winters, people tend to not drink enough water and prefer warm drinks. Actually, the amount of water intake in winters should be same as summers. This hydrates your skin from within and avoids drying up.
If winter itch is neglected for a long time, it can turn serious, and may even lead to eczema. This is more common among elderly people. Therefore, if all the home-based treatments discussed here fail to show any signs of improvement, you must visit a doctor for proper treatment.