Atopic dermatitis and psoriasis are among the chronic skin diseases that are particularly sensitive to seasonal changes. “In the case of atopic dermatitis, while many people may even become symptom-free in the summer thanks to the anti-inflammatory effect of sunlight and higher humidity, in winter the condition of the skin often deteriorates dramatically, becoming red, flaky, and very itchy. In fact, it can make it difficult to rest at night, causing sleep deprivation and chronic stress in patients,” Dr. Anikó Kovács notes. She adds that symptoms can be aggravated even in those who take medication throughout the year. The winter flare-up of psoriasis can be partly explained by a lack of sunlight and vitamin D. The disease responds particularly well to sunlight, and light therapy is a common and effective part of treatment. In addition, a significant proportion of patients fail to ensure vitamin D supplementation, which can contribute to the worsening of symptoms.
In the case of rosacea, sudden changes in temperature are the main problem. For many people, even going from a heated room into the cold outside and then back again can cause an immediate deterioration of their condition. People with acne-prone skin also often experience a worsening of their condition at this time, although its extent is generally smaller than in the case of the other skin diseases mentioned.
The specialist points out that the intensification of symptoms is mainly due to dry skin, inadequate skin care, and bad habits. Long, hot baths and the use of strongly scented soaps and body lotions can all worsen the condition of the skin.
In cold weather, significantly less sweat and sebum are produced than when it is warm, so the skin is drier to begin with. In addition, heating dries the air, which further increases water loss from the skin. – Dr. Anikó Kovács
Hand eczema is also much more common in the winter months due to more frequent hand washing and cold, dry air. Seborrheic dermatitis causes red and scaly symptoms on the scalp and face. Wearing caps, washing your hair less frequently, and the lack of the anti-inflammatory effect of sunlight also contribute to the more frequent occurrence of these complaints.
The dermatologist emphasizes that those affected should use oilier products for skin care, and that it is important not to go out into the cold immediately after applying water-based creams – it is advisable to wait at least half an hour to one hour. Appropriate clothing also matters, especially in the case of atopic dermatitis, as synthetic fabrics can further irritate the skin, so wearing clothes made from cotton is recommended. Furthermore, in cold weather, it is especially significant to use hand sanitizer instead of washing your hands, if possible, as this can often prevent hand eczema or its worsening.
Psoriasis: a chronic, inflammatory skin disease in which skin cells divide too quickly. This causes red, inflamed, scaly patches and white scales, most commonly on the elbows, knees, scalp, or around the waist. It is not contagious and often has a fluctuating course, improving at times and flaring up at others. Symptoms can be exacerbated by stress, infections, cold weather, skin damage, or certain medications.
Rosacea: a chronic skin inflammation that mainly affects the face, causing persistent redness, dilated blood vessels, and increased skin sensitivity. It is a disease with frequent fluctuations that flares up periodically. Symptoms can be aggravated by temperature changes, stress, alcohol, spicy foods, sunlight, or certain cosmetics. It is not contagious, but if left untreated, it can gradually worsen.
Atopic dermatitis (dry eczema): a chronic, inflammatory, intensely itchy skin condition that mainly manifests itself as dry, reddened, scaly patches. It often appears already in childhood and may improve or flare up from time to time. The skin’s ability to retain moisture is weaker in this case, so it dries out and becomes irritated more easily. Symptoms can be exacerbated by cold weather, dry air, stress, allergens, strong cleaning products, or certain foods. It is not contagious and can be kept under control with proper skin care in milder cases, but if the disease is more severe, ongoing treatment is required.
Eszter Csatári-Földváry
Translation: Dr. Balázs Csizmadia
Photo by Attila Kovács – Semmelweis University; illustration: iStock: Cunaplus_M.Faba
