The winter season is a known trigger for various skin conditions such as acne and eczema. Our skin serves as a canvas that reflects our health and well-being, but when these skin conditions impact our bodies, it can cause issues such as discomfort, itchiness and redness. In this blog post we explore what these skin conditions are, common symptoms and causes as well as treatment options.

Acne

What is acne?

Acne isn’t just prevalent amongst teenagers but can carry on throughout adulthood too. In the winter, the cold dry air inflames the skin barrier and causes dry skin. When your skin is dry, your skin reacts by producing more sebum (natural oils) causing clogged pores and resulting in breakouts on the skin.

What are the symptoms?

Acne breakouts range in severity, these include:

• Whiteheads
• Blackheads
• Pustules
• Cysts

These will appear red and inflamed and cause feelings of discomfort or tenderness. They will appear in areas such as the face, neck, chest, back and shoulders which are all places rich in sebaceous glands.

What treatment options are available?

There are many different treatments available for acne but it ultimately depends on how severe it is and what symptoms you are suffering with the most.

This includes the following:

• Topical treatments – retinol creams or serums, benzoyl peroxide (OTC) and topical antibiotics
• Oral medications – antibiotics, contraceptives and isotretinoin for severe cases
• Skincare adjustments – gentle cleansers and non-comodogenic products

Eczema

What is eczema?

Eczema or dermatitis is a common skin condition that presents itself in areas such as the hands, elbows and knees but can also appear anywhere on the body and scalp. It is a dry skin condition that causes the skin to become sensitive and result in rashes. It can flare up in the winter months but also because of irritants, stress or environmental changes.

What are the symptoms?

The most common symptoms of eczema include:

• Inflamed, red skin
• Swelling
• Dry skin
• Itching
• Rashes

To treat eczema, we recommend the following:

• Emollients & moisturisers – soothes the skin, hydrates and reduces itchiness
• Antihistamines – taken orally, alleviate itching and help with sleep
• Topical steroids – prescribed by a healthcare professional, available in various strengths
• Diet adjustments – eat plenty of oily fishes, avoid peanuts & cow’s milk

Rosacea

What is rosacea?

Rosacea is a common skin condition that affects primarily affects the face but can also present symptoms in areas of the body like the chest. In severe cases, it can even cause problems with the eyes. Triggers for rosacea include cold or hot weather, spicy foods, alcohol and stress. It’s more likely to occur with those with lighter complexions and women but symptoms present themselves much more vividly when men suffer with rosacea.

What are the symptoms?

Rosacea presents a range of symptoms that differ in severity and may come and go. These are:

• Facial redness – mainly central part of the face, looks like you are flushed or sunburn
• Flushing/blushing – occurs very easily due to mild triggers like temperature
• Visible blood vessels
• Eye irritation
• Thickening of the skin
• Sensitive skin
• Pustules

What treatment options are available?

There isn’t a cure for rosacea but there are ways to manage its symptoms and reduce inflammation. This includes:

• Topical antibiotics – reduces inflammation and control pustules
• Oral medications – antibiotics, isotretinoin to reduce oil gland activity
• Avoiding triggers – spicy foods, alcohol etc.
• Skincare – gentle, non-comodogenic products

See a dermatologist today

Our incredible dermatology services at the Medical Hub offer comprehensive consultations and treatments plans for inflammatory skin conditions like acne and eczema. By creating effective and tailored treatment plans, we work with you to manage these challenging conditions.