Women’s Health: Tackling Skin Problems In Winter

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Winter has set in. The cold air brings in relief from the heat, but it also brings along with it the possibility of various skin problems that affect women’s health.

Our skin loses a lot of moisture because of cold air, low humidity, and high winds outdoors. Bacteria and viruses are prevalent in the cold season. Our immune system needs to work harder in order to fight these germs. This makes the immune system weaker, which can cause more problems with your skin than usual. Paying a little more attention to skin care in winter can help in reducing these problems and preventing skin infections which add to women’s health woes.

Common Skin Problems that affect women’s health in the winter

1. Dry skin

Dry skin in winter becomes a common skin problem with increasing age. As the skin becomes thinner with increasing age, it can no longer absorb as much moisture from the air.

Due to the dry air and lack of moisture, the skin becomes irritated and dehydrated, causing itching and scaling. In some cases, it tends to become red and swollen too and can be painful. Chronic skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis are also aggravated by cold, dry air.

It may be a good idea to invest in a humidifier if you are one of those who get severe itchiness. In many cases, it is the dead skin cells on the body that cause itchiness. Taking a shower with hot water opens up the pores. Exfoliating the skin when showering can remove the dead skin cells and give relief from itchiness.

2. Acne

Acne is one of the most common skin problems that affect people of all ages in winter. Acne can happen on any part of the body, but it is most common on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders, and upper arms. It can sometimes be painful and unsightly. The major reason for acne is the overproduction of oil that can lead to clogged pores, dead skin cells, and bacteria on the skin.

It is a natural tendency to reach out and touch the affected area, especially on the face. But it can be noticed that reducing the times we touch our face reduces acne as well. Gentle cleansers and moisturizers can also help pesky acne that is caused by the cold. A dermatologist can also provide antibiotic treatments to help rid your skin of acne issues.

3. Chapped lips

Splitting and cracking can also occur in severe cases, which is painful and can sometimes even cause bleeding. One of the most common mistakes people make is licking their lips while out in the cold. This causes severe lip irritation and can make the chapping worse. The best way to prevent this is by using a good lip balm that will moisturize the lips and provide them with extra hydration.

4. Dandruff

During winters, there is a lack of moisture content in the air, which makes it dry. And this eventually leads to dryness of the skin and also the scalp. Drying of the scalp leads to dandruff.

We also tend to consume less water during winters. This causes dehydration. Dehydration is also a reason for dandruff.

Wearing a cap or a hat, especially one that’s made of wool and infrequent hair wash are also other causes of dandruff.

Keeping the hair and scalp clean, and regular oiling can give some relief for dandruff. However, when severe and in need of personalized treatment, it is recommendable to see a dermatologist.

5. Dull Skin/Oily Skin

Dull skin is a common complaint in winters. This is because the dry weather lessens the natural oils from our skin that usually keep the skin smooth and healthy.

We should try to avoid using excessively hot water in winters, as it opens up pores and further reduces the natural oils. Instead, it is advisable to use warm or lukewarm water to wash your face so we don’t strip away essential oils. Use a gentle facial cleanser every day with no strong fragrances or perfumes added is recommended.

Many people also tend to experience oilier skin during winters. This is because the oil glands tend to secrete more oil to combat the dry skin, and sometimes they tend to go overboard. This causes the pores to enlarge and the skin to look greasy. Use a cleanser with oil control in such cases.

6. Dry and irritated nose

Cold air not only dries out your skin and chaps your lips, but it can also dry out the nose and causes irritation. Winter is also a bad time for people with pollen allergies which cause a runny nose. Cold and flu are also rampant in winters resulting in a dry and irritating nose.

The use of a humidifier inside the house goes a long way in reducing dryness. In addition to treating the source, tips like using saline solution to keep the nasal cavities moistened can provide some relief to the symptoms.

7. Cracked heels

Painful, cracked heels are a common skin condition, especially in winter. They are often caused by dry skin. In some cases, dry cracked feet can lead to infection or make walking painful.

Moisturizing the feet by frequent application of petroleum jelly can help. Putting on a pair of socks overnight is also a tried and tested remedy. Medicinal applications are also available to treat cracked heels.

Some Tips to Prevent Skin Problems in Winter

Each problem requires a unique treatment depending on the severity. But here are some preventive measures that we can take to avoid skin problems in winter –

Keep your skin moisturized throughout the day
Drink enough water
Use a sunscreen
Avoid harsh skin care products in winter
Avoid using hot water for taking a bath. Lukewarm water should be good.
Exfoliate the skin in regular periods
Invest in a humidifier
Try to get some sunlight during the day. It is the natural source of Vitamin D.

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What are the most common mental health issues in children?

Though difficult to diagnose, it is estimated that up to 1 in 5 children suffer from a mental health condition. There are five different major categories of mental health disorders, and each one has different symptoms which is why it’s important to understand how they can affect children. The most common childhood mental health issues include depression, anxiety, ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder). Depression is the single most common mental health disorder in children and adolescents. It’s estimated that roughly 1 out of every 6 children and teens struggle with depression, with girls being twice as likely to struggle with the condition than boys.

If your child is exhibiting symptoms, they will likely display one of these warning signs:

Abnormally low mood

Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed

Significantly more irritable than usual

Loss of appetite or overeating

Greater difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep

Crying for no apparent reason

Low self-esteem, or feelings of worthlessness or guilt

Frequent complaints about physical symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, and stomach aches

Avoidance of friends, family members, or activities they typically enjoy

Thoughts of suicide, death, or hopelessness

It is important to note that depression can look different in teens than it does in younger kids.

How can these mental health issues be treated?

It’s important to know that issues of mental health in children are treatable. There are many different types of interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, group therapy, and art therapy. As the child gets older, other treatments may become more appropriate such as medication. Mental health issues in children are common and treatable. It’s easy to be overwhelmed, but with the right information, you can start the right path to help your child.

How can we prevent these mental health issues?

The best way to prevent mental health problems in children is by parenting better. When parents are reliable and empathetic, their children will feel less anxious and stressed. In addition, being around nice people will also help children develop good social skills and self-esteem. In order to help your child develop good mental health, you need to be a good role model. Your positive attitude and an optimistic outlook are what they need to develop mental strength.

How can we maintain good mental health in children?

In order to maintain good mental health, you have to do a few things. First, you have to be calm with your children. Meditation is a great way for you to relax and strengthen your mind. It will help you be calmer and more positive. Also, this will set an example for your kids and you can encourage them to practice this as well. In addition, talking to your child about their worries will also help them develop better mental health. Even simple conversations can help them feel better and stronger. Discussing your worries with them will give them a good example of how to handle stress.

How can parents help?

Parents should be aware of the potential mental health issues their children may be dealing with. If you suspect your child has a mental health issue, talk to them about it. Find out what they’re dealing with and help them work through it. If you do need to get them professional help, be supportive. It will not go away on its own and the sooner they get help, the better.

Do not dismiss their feelings as mood swings or bad temperament and attitude. It need not always be so. Try to get them to reason out their behaviour and what triggered them. Accept their emotional outbursts as a valid exhibition of their emotions. Belittling them for crying or getting angry at them does not set the right precedent. It is always better to discuss and help them vent out what they feel than to make them bottle up their emotions.

Make sure they are in the right environment and surrounded by the right people. Bullies at school, unempathetic teachers, bad academic performance, puberty, and peer pressure can all affect them mentally so it is important to know what is happening in their lives and if anything is impacting them negatively.

Conclusion

The five most common mental health issues seen in childhood are depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, and OCD. All children experience these emotions at different intensities. It is important to help your child to understand that it’s not their fault and to provide them with the tools they’ll need for coping. If you or your child is experiencing any of these problems, please reach out to a mental health professional.