DHA smart clinic discusses winter skin care

Dubai The onset of winter brings on several dermal problems for those with dry and sensitive skin, say doctors.

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) recently organised a smart clinic with dermatolgy specialists fielding questions from residents and disseminating information through the DHA’s Twitter and Instagram account and through Periscope.

Dr Anwar Al Hammadi, Director of DHA’s Dubai Dermatology Centre, said: “For people with skin problems and sensitive skin, the onset of winter means the return of dry, itchy skin and rashes. For patients with skin problems like eczema, winter causes worsening of the condition and predisposes them to constant flare ups. Therefore, people need to take more precautions during the winter months.”

Al Hammadi said in winter the dermatology centre sees an increase of approximately 15 per cent in the number of patients. Eczema is the most common skin problem in winter, followed by psoarsis and rosacea.

Al Hammadi also pointed out that patients with eczema should use emollients prescribed by their dermatologist regularly, particularly after a shower to help lock in the moisture. Patients should also avoid taking a bath with hot water as it significantly aggravates the condition and therefore they should take lukewarm showers.

“Many patients question the benefit of treatment because there is no cure for eczema. But it’s important for eczema patients to understand that if they do not treat their condition, it can worsen significantly, causing infections that require them to take oral antibiotics and pigmentation of the skin, which can be permanent.”

Dr Ikramullah Al Nasir, medical director of Dermacare Skin Centre in Dubai said that residents also tend to suffer from worsening skin conditions in the cold. For example, eczema, which is characterised by patches of inflamed and dry skin, is exacerbated because the lower temperatures dry out the skin further.

“When the skin gets drier, eczema sufferers feel more itchy and the scratching can even cause the skin to get infected. Having hot showers in cold weather can also aggravate dryness,” he told Gulf News.

He said that cracked lips and extreme nasal dryness can also be troublesome to others. “It is also best to dress in layers while preventing direct skin contact with heavy woollen garments,” he added. Medical professionals recommend the use of unscented moisturising products and detergents that help maintain the natural acid mantle of the skin.

Speaking at the DHA smart clinic, Dr Suad Abdul Rahman, dermatologist at the DHA, highlighted other skin conditions such as psoriasis and rosacea, which are exacerbated due to cold weather.

Psoriasis is a long-lasting autoimmune disease characterised by patches of abnormal skin. These skin patches are typically red, itchy, and scaly. They may vary in severity from small and localised to complete body coverage.

Rosacea is a common skin condition that causes redness of the face and often produces small, red, pus-filled bumps. He said: “Patients with psoriasis need to apply medicated crèmes recommended by the dermatologist, they should also take lukewarm and not hot showers and they should wear irritant-proof clothing that protects their skin from cold and dry air. And patients with rosacea need to ensure they always wear sunscreen even when the weather is cloudy as the ultraviolet rays can affect their skin.”