The causes of maddening ‘winter itch’ and 5 ways to avoid getting it
WINTER is notoriously unkind to our skin, causing dryness, chapped lips and sore hands.
But the bitingly cold weather can take its toll in another maddening way, known as the 'winter itch'.
Are you being struck by the sudden and intense need to itch your legs, arms or torso, particularly at night?
Then you might be falling victim to the pesky 'winter itch', a common type of skin irritation known as pruritus hiemalis that's caused by cold weather.
Icy winds and toasty indoor heating can leach your skin of its natural moisture, making it cracked, red and uncontrollably itchy in the winter.
It can affect anyone, but you might be particularly vulnerable to this unpleasant seasonal side effect if you have pre-existing skin conditions or sensitive skin, skin expert Dr Vanita Rattan says.
Read more on skincare
The skin doctor and cosmetic formulator told Sun Health: "While winter itch is closely related to dry skin, it’s not exactly the same thing.
"Winter itch tends to be more intense than regular dry skin, causing intense periods of itching. The itchiness is sudden in onset and is generally more noticeable at nighttime.
"Redness often accompanies scratched skin, and in more severe cases, the skin texture can become rough and thickened.
"As a result of winter itch, small cracks can also develop in the skin, which may even lead to bleeding."
The skin condition most commonly the legs - especially around the calves, inner thighs, knees, and ankles - which are affects areas that lose moisture quickly due friction and contact with clothing.
You're also more likely to get winter itch as you age, as your skin starts to lose its elasticity and hydration levels.
If you're dealing with chronic skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, your skin is more vulnerable to environmental changes so you might also be more likely to get itchy skin during chilly weather.
What causes winter itch?
Dr Rattan says: "Winter itch can be caused by a combination of environmental factors, such as low humidity, harsh winds and cold temperatures, which compromises the skin’s natural barrier."
But how you take refuge from harsh weather can also take a toll, the skin doctor warned.
"During the winter months, central heating systems and space heaters drastically lowers indoor humidity levels, stripping the skin of its moisture.
"As well as this, taking hot baths and showers to warm up can further strip away the skin’s protective oils.
"This drying effect can make the skin feel tight, rough, and uncomfortable, triggering the itchiness associated with winter itch."
Dr Rattan shares five tips to avoid the agonising frenzy of itching and keep your skin happy this winter.
1. Keep your showers short and lukewarm
"In the winter, it’s tempting to jump into a hot shower after a freezing cold day," the skin doctor says.
"However, the high-water temperature can strip the skin of its natural oils, fats and proteins that keep the skin healthy.
"Instead of having long, hot showers, use lukewarm water and try to limit the time you spend in the shower to five minutes."
Pat your skin dry as soon as your step out the shower and slather it in a rich moisturiser or oil to re-hydrate it.
2. Don't over cleanse
It's also worth switching up your skincare routine between the seasons, Dr Rattan says.
You might find yourself double cleansing during the summer to combat to remove sweat and excess oil, but this same practice can strip it of its natural oils during winter.
"Over cleansing can compromise the skin barrier, leading to more dryness and increased sensitivity," Dr Rattan notes.
"This can be particularly problematic for skin of colour, as their skin has fewer ceramides compared to lighter skin."
She switching to a gentle and hydrating cleanser during cold weather to help maintain your skin’s moisture.
3. Use unfragranced skincare
Slathering scented products on your skin might feel luxurious, but it may be making your skin more itchy this winter.
Dr Rattan explains: "Fragrances in skincare can trigger sensitivities, especially for those dealing with winter itch.
"In fact, 3-4 per cent of the population experience contact dermatitis from fragrance, and for people of colour, this can lead to hyperpigmentation that may last for years.
When it's more than a winter itch
If you're being struck by the agonising winter itch, in most cases you can manage it with over-the-counter moisturisers and a couple lifestyle tweaks.
Dr Rattan also recommends applying sun cream year round to protect your skin from UV damage, which can further irritate the skin and exacerbate winter itch.
But some people can have extreme discomfort due to underlying conditions like eczema or psoriasis, Dr Rattan says.
"Both of these conditions are known to worsen during winter months due to reduced humidity.
"Eczema, characterised by red, inflamed skin, can become extremely itchy and uncomfortable in dry, cold air, while psoriasis tends to cause red, scaly patches with silvery skin, leading to thicker, more inflamed areas.
"If you find that dry, itchy and inflamed skin is persisting despite using the right products and following medical advice, it’s essential to revisit your GP or dermatologist.
"This is because skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis often need targeted treatments to avoid flare-ups and soothe irritation.
"Dermatologists may recommend prescription medication such as antibiotics or antihistamines, corticosteroid creams, injectables, light therapy, lifestyle changes or additional treatments to help manage these conditions during the winter months."
"To prevent this, apply a rich, fragrance-free moisturizer immediately after showering to lock in moisture.
"Look for formulas that contain skin-restoring ingredients like ceramides or peptides.
"For those with eczema, an unfragranced fatty balm will gently occlude the affected skin barrier to reduce water loss and calm inflammation."
4. Invest in a humidifier
Dr Rattan says: "When you turn the central heating on, it heats the air in the home.
"As this warm air rises, it can carry moisture with it, which lowers the humidity levels indoors.
"When the air is dry, it draws moisture from the skin, leading to a lack of hydration and potentially causing the skin to become dry, itchy, and irritated."
She suggested investing in a humidifier to increase moisture levels in the air and lessen the effects of heating on your skin.
5. Avoid irritating fabrics
When it's cold outside, it's natural to reach for warm, woolly jumpers.
But Dr Vanita warns: "Certain fabrics, such as wool and synthetic materials, can cause friction and exacerbate irritation on dry skin, making winter itch worse."
READ MORE SUN STORIES
She recommended layering up with skin friendly fabrics that won't irritate your skin, such as 100 per cent cotton.
"These fabrics are gentle on the skin, reducing friction and allowing moisture to stay locked in, which is essential for maintaining comfort during the colder months," she says.