February 12, 2007 Hello! In much of the nation, the heaters have been working overtime this month. With the cold weather, low humidity, and increased heater use, many people can see the damage that has been done (or is being done) to their skin.
"The skin – the largest organ of the body – is made up of a
thin outer layer (called the epidermis) and a thicker outer
layer (called the dermis). Below the dermis is the
subcutaneous tissue, which contains fat. Buried in the skin
are nerves that sense cold, heat, pain, pressure, and
touch. Sebaceous glands secrete a lubricating substance
called sebum. Deep within the skin are your sweat glands,
which produce perspiration when you are too hot." While dry skin may not seem like a big deal to some, it could be argued that the one organ that it is the easiest to see and monitor should also be the easiest to care for. "Dry skin is common. It happens more often in the winter when cold air outside and heated air inside cause low humidity. Forced-air furnaces make skin even drier. The skin loses moisture and may crack and peel, or become irritated and inflamed. Bathing too frequently, especially with harsh soaps, may contribute to dry skin. Eczema may cause dry skin." http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003250.htm While not all dry skin is caused by eczema, eczema can cause dry skin, and those with eczema may have a more difficult time managing their condition during the dry months of winter. "Eczema is a general term for rash-like skin conditions. The most common type of eczema is called atopic dermatitis, which is an allergic reaction. Eczema is often very itchy and when you scratch it, the skin becomes red and inflamed. As many as 15 million people in the United States have some form of eczema. It occurs in adults and children, but most often appears on babies. You are more likely to have eczema if you have a family history of the condition. Although the exact cause is unknown, eczema is not contagious. Eczema can't be cured, but it can be managed, and you can learn to avoid the things that trigger it. http://familydoctor.org/176.xml "The most common type of eczema is called atopic dermatitis..." "The word 'dermatitis' means inflammation of the skin. 'Atopic' refers to a group of diseases where there is often an inherited tendency to develop other allergic conditions, such as asthma and hay fever. In atopic dermatitis, the skin becomes extremely itchy. ... In most cases, there are periods of time when the disease is worse (called exacerbations or flares) followed by periods when the skin improves or clears up entirely (called remissions). As some children with atopic dermatitis grow older, their skin disease improves or disappears altogether, although their skin often remains dry and easily irritated. In others, atopic dermatitis continues to be a significant problem in adulthood." http://www.niams.nih.gov/hi/topics/dermatitis/#link_a While those with eczema may see it flare during the winter months, even those without the condition can find themselves suffering from uncomfortably dry skin as the humidity drops and the colder weather outside is paired with increased heater usage.
"The low humidity common in many parts of the United States
during winter can cause dry, irritated skin. When skin
becomes dry and irritated, eczema can flare. Here are some
tips to help skin feel more comfortable during winter or
anytime the air is dry:
When caring for the skin, don't forget that the lips are covered in skin and can require special care.
"Lips may become chapped for a variety of reasons.
These include: Caring for the skin from the outside is helpful, but (as mentioned previously with issues pertaining to hydration), proper nutrition can help keep all of the body's organs at their best. For example:
Please note: Moderation is key. While having some a necessary nutrient is beneficial, more is not always better. Too much of a good thing can become unhealthy. "Too much niacin, typically as a result of supplements, can cause flushed skin, rashes and liver damage. ... Nearly everyone gets enough salt. Large amounts of sodium are found in highly processed foods (fast food, canned products, frozen dinners). These foods should be eaten infrequently, because an excess of sodium causes fluid retention and swelling and may contribute to other health problems." Cleveland Clinic Most dry skin can be treated at home, but, as with any condition: If symptoms persist or worsen, be sure to see a health care professional. Doctors and registered nurses can offer further advice, and check to make sure that a more serious problem does not exist.
Questions of the Week: Please email me with any ideas or suggestions. Due to increasing amounts of SPAM sent to this account, please include "QOW" in the subject line when sending me email. I look forward to reading what you have to say. Cindy |
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