Winter weather can bring uncomfortable conditions. Dry skin is something that is not life threatening, but can be incredibly frustrating to manage during the colder month. Dry indoor air, terrible winter, and low humidity can all contribute to unbearably dry skin. If you’re someone who suffers from dry skin in the winter and you’re looking for tips to overcome dry and cracking skin, keep reading. This article will review causes of dry skin and tips for treating dry skin during the winter season. AFC Urgent Care Back Bay is here to support all of your healthcare needs. We provide walk-in care for a variety of non-life-threatening conditions for patients in Boston, MA. Simply walk into the clinic for same-day care!
What Causes Excessively Dry Skin During the Winter?
Even if you don’t normally find yourself struggling with dry skin, cold winter weather can severely impact your skin barrier and lead to dry, flakey and sometimes painful skin. This can happen due to a few different factors linked to dropping temperatures. When the temperatures drop, the moisture in the air also is greatly reduced. This can cause exposed skin to dry out quickly when you spend time outdoors. Similarly, whipping winter winds can also cause wind burn which can lead to dry and brittle skin. Indoor heating is also a contributing factor to dry skin, because heaters take the moisture out of the air. Due to all of these factors, it is not unusual to experience dry skin during the winter, but what can you do to prevent and treat it?
Tips for Managing Dry Skin
If you’re struggling to manage excessively dry skin, there are a few ways that you can prevent your skin from drying out and tricks for helping your dry skin recover quickly. Firstly, always cover up as much as possible when spending time outdoors. Even if you’re only going to be outside for a few minutes, the wind and dry air can cause damage to your skin, especially on your face. Consider putting on a protective moisture layer like a thick layer of moisturizer to prevent damage to any exposed skin. Using a humidifier in your home will help promote moisture and help your skin recover and stay hydrated, even when you’re using indoor heat. Staying hydrated and using hydrating skincare products in the morning and before bed can also help prevent dry skin.
When to Seek Medical Care
Although dry skin typically does not require medical care, there are a few circumstances which may warrant medical intervention. Sometimes, dry skin can cause cracks in the skin that bleed. These cracks are prone to infection and can take a long time to heal properly. If you notice your skin is showing signs of infection such as oozing, redness or pain around the affected area, you should seek urgent care services. A medical professional will be able to treat your condition to prevent infections in the future and help clear up any irritation.
Walk Into AFC Back Bay for Same-Day Care in Boston, MA
If you’re experiencing skin irritation or infections due to cold weather, it is important to seek medical care for treatment. At AFC Urgent Care Back Bay, our board-certified medical providers make it easy to access affordable care in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood. Our clinic is open 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm and accepts walk-in patients. We work with most medical insurance providers and offer competitive rates for our care making us a convenient option for young professionals, students, and Boston locals alike. Walk into the clinic today for same-day care!
