Dubai Health Authority's smart clinic discusses solutions for skin problems in winter.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, December 28, 2015: The Dubai Health Authority’s (DHAs) smart clinic discussed today solutions for skin problems aggravated by cold and dry air during the winter months.

Information was disseminated via DHA’s Twitter page, 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.”

Eczema is a chronic skin disease in which patches of skin become irritated or inflamed, causing itching and the formation of rashes or blisters. Most people are diagnosed with eczema when they are children and symptoms may decrease as they get older, but it can persist into adulthood.

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 said that patients with eczema should use emollients prescribed by their dermatologist and they should apply these 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. “A lot of 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.”

Al Hammadi said they should also wear clothing and fabrics which do not irritate their skin and cause flare ups.

Dr Suad Abdulrahman, dermatologist at the DHA said that the other skin conditions that are worsened by winter are psoriasis and rosacea.

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

Rosacea is a common skin condition that causes redness of the face and often produces small, red, pus-filled bumps.

 “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. While patients with rosacea need to ensure they always wear sunscreen even when the weather is cloudy as the ultraviolet rays can affect their skin.”

Abdulrahman also said that in while those with specific skin conditions need to take extra precautions in winter, everyone should ensure they moisturize their skin in winter to prevent skin dryness and irritability.