Prevent eczema, skin issues from arising in dry winter air

Picking up a travel-sized lotion to take on the go may not be a bad idea to help prevent skin issues from developing this winter.

If you have chronic dry skin, you can develop different types of eczema during the winter ... that can flare with the dryer weather and when the dry heat that comes on, Krystle Kane, physicians assistant at Advanced Dermatology, Pottsville, said Wednesday.

A specific type of eczema Kane talked about was atopic eczema. This type of eczema often runs in families who may have allergies, such as hay fever and asthma, but can also have sensitive skin and a history of eruptions called atopic dermatitis.

While eczema can form at any age, this type is most common with infants and young adults, and improves before age 25, according to information provided by the Advanced Dermatology office.

Over-washing hands to avoid germs can also lead to hand eczema, Kane said.

A simple rash or patch of dry skin can turn into eczema over exposure to water or dry air, as well as different detergents, solvents, cleaning agents, chemicals, rubber gloves or ingredients in skin and personal care products.

Common areas for eczema are behind the knees, in the creases of elbows and on the face or cheeks, Kane said.

Topical steroids are used to decrease inflammation in eczema, but is not an absolute cure.

While eczema is not dangerous, it can be prevented by moisturizing.

Its not dangerous per say, but if you leave it go and you develop into eczema or you chronically scratch areas open, theres always potential for bacterial infections to develop, Kane said.

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Prevent eczema, skin issues from arising in dry winter air