As the cold weather approaches, you may notice you’re scratching your skin more often. It’s irritated, red, and even painful. What’s happening? Winter rosacea could be the culprit, a condition in which the cold weather triggers a flare-up of rosacea in people who already have this condition.
What Is Winter Rosacea?
Winter rosacea isn’t necessarily a different form of skin rosacea. However, it describes the onset of symptoms during winter or when there’s a cold snap. The cold outdoor air can dry out your skin, making it more susceptible to damage. Inside your home, the furnace is another concern because it can dry out the air in the house. That means there’s less humidity present. That also means, then, that your skin can dry out more quickly. This can trigger the onset of rosacea symptoms.
What Can You Do About Rosacea Flare-ups During Winter?
The good news is there are several strategies to help you improve your skin and prevent or treat winter rosacea. The first starts with adding a humidifier to your home. This can help restore your indoor air’s moisture and make it more comfortable. You’ll also want to stay away from very hot areas like directly in front of the fireplace or close to your space heater.
This is also an excellent time to make sure you have enough protective clothing when you’re outside. If you do go out, use both sunscreen and moisturizer to help create a protective barrier against the cold weather and wind that can irritate your skin.
Understanding what factors cause your rosacea to flare up is also important. This can differ from one person to the next. For some, it could be the feelings of anxiety or stress. For others, taking hot baths or using certain skin products can increase the risk of a flare-up.
Learn More About Winter Skin Care for Rosacea in Los Angeles, CA
If you are experiencing a flare-up now, schedule an appointment with Brian P. Mekelburg, MD. Our dermatologist in Los Angeles, CA, can provide effective treatments to help you find relief from the symptoms you’re having. Contact us today at (310) 659-9075.
