The bothersome cold: Preventing skin diseases during amihan

The season of amihan (northeast monsoon) is always welcome in a sweltering tropical country such as the Philippines, where many complain of the heat and humidity. But the stifling humidity may have some uses after all—one of them being the prevention of dry skin.

 

Dermatologist Dr. Cristabel Torres-Sy provided a few tips and warnings for the care of one's skin amid the cold.

 

“Usually, 'pag cold ang weather, low ang humidity—so, mas madali mag-dry 'yung skin,” explained Torres-Sy in a State of the Nation video Tuesday.

 

The cold weather may also lead some to prefer bathing in hot or lukewarm water, but Torres-Sy cautions against this, saying it does the skin more harm than good.  

 

“Lalong nakaka-dry ng skin,” she said.

 

On the matter of soap, she said, “Basta 'yung puti na walang amoy. Kasi 'yung mabango, mas prone sa allergies minsan.”

 

Surprisingly, she also recommends moisturizer, as opposed to much-too frequent handwashing. Apparently, the latter may cause itchiness and cracks to appear across the skin—a disease called dry eczema.

 

“Usually found in the hands and feet, common ito sa mga taong mahilig maghugas ng kamay,” said Torres-Sy. “Kasi pag naghuhugas ka ng kamay, mas madali mag-dry ang skin mo.”

 

Dandruff is also a common affliction in cold weather, against which shampoos containing tar, zinc, and ketoconazole are effective. “Pagka low humidity, nag-o-overactive rin 'yung secretion ng glands, so mas madali 'yung flaking of the skin,” she explained.

 

Other skin conditions that may be contracted during cold weather include:

 

 

Herpes zoster can lead to shingles, and is the precursor to chickenpox.

 

To avoid these bothersome skin diseases, Torres-Sy recommends getting enough sleep at night, eating nutritious food, and taking supplements of vitamins A, C, E, and zinc.

 

And remember, wear jackets, hats, and other appropriate attire for when the winds prove too much to bear. After all, we can't all be like “Frozen”'s Queen Elsa, whom the cold never bothers. —Vida Cruz/KG, GMA News