Natural remedies and prevention for cold dermatitis

When the first itch appears, don't waste time. Wet your hands and feet in very warm water with five or six sage leaves. Helpful foods for prevention include carrots, spinach, and cabbage.

natural remedies for cold dermatitis
Cold dermatitis (or skin reaction to cold) is a skin irritation triggered by exposure to cold. The inflammatory process that characterizes it stems essentially from two factors. When temperatures are lower, the skin receives less nourishment because blood vessels contract to conserve heat. Furthermore, in the cold months, the beneficial effect of the sun is lacking. The skin thus becomes subject to the risk of dryness and consequent irritation. Before using medications, when needed and indicated by the method, especially for those most exposed, there are some suggestions for preventing cold dermatitis and also excellent and effective natural remedies (for example, sage and natural milk).
 

Cause

The most common causes of cold dermatitis are:
  • The drop in temperatures, especially in the case of people who have very sensitive skin. In these cases, autoantigens are formed in the leather which in turn stimulate the production of histamine, the substance that causes cold dermatitis.
  • The humidity and the strong wind can lead to dry skin which, if left untreated, can progress to cold dermatitis.
  • Hereditary component.
  • Females: the most affected by cold dermatitis.
  • Psychophysical stress: a continuous state of stress. and anxiety can lead to the typical symptoms of cold dermatitis.

Symptoms

 A characteristic symptom of cold dermatitis is extreme dryness, with skin that feels parched and rough to the touch. The irritation is often accompanied by fissures, small, painful cracks that appear primarily where the skin is less elastic and more exposed to constant stress. The most common cold dermatitis affects the hands, but the condition can also affect other parts of the body, such as the feet. On the hands and foot, as a further symptom, chilblains may develop, skin irritations typical of the winter months, which present with redness and swelling. Cold dermatitis may also be associated with flaking and intense itching.

Natural remedies

As soon as you feel itching on your hands and feet, you're most likely experiencing the first signs of impending chilblains. To prevent further development, you can intervene with a simple natural remedy. Simply immerse the affected areas in a bowl of warm water in which you've previously boiled some water. sageFive or six leaves per liter of water are sufficient. In addition to its well-known aromatic properties, this plant provides soothing effects. With just ten minutes of treatment a couple of times a week, or even daily if necessary, it is possible to stop the progression of chilblains.

Even milk compresses They help the skin in cases of cold dermatitis. Simply soak a clean cloth or napkin in milk and dab the affected area. Alternatively, soak the affected area in a container of milk for at least ten minutes. Obviously, if there are no obvious signs of improvement, specific anti-inflammatory ointments should be applied, following the instructions of your dermatologist.

Prevention

As with other skin conditions, prevention plays a key role in cold dermatitis, which can be treated with simple measures.

  • Soften the skin

It's essential to restore the hydrolipidic film, the natural protective layer that covers the skin, protecting it from external aggressions. Because this barrier is weak, it must be nourished to allow it to perform its defensive functions. To promote restoration, ointments based on polyglycerols or polyethylene glycols are useful. These polymers attract water into the stratum corneum, restoring the skin's lost softness.

  • Be careful when washing

Excessive washing can further compromise the hydrolipidic film. Therefore, during the winter months, it's best to reduce the number of washes and opt for quick washes, done with warm water and gentle cleansers. Using excessively hot water and harsh products tends to dry out the skin even further, stripping it of excessive lipids. After cleansing, the skin should be dried meticulously, paying particular attention to areas with wrinkles, where water tends to linger, not only causing dryness but also becoming an ideal habitat for fungi and bacteria.

  • Wear appropriate clothing

Skin should be protected with clothing made from fabrics specifically designed to withstand the effects of the cold. Synthetic clothing should be avoided, as it can worsen irritation.

  • Moisturize the skin

The skin must also be hydrated from the inside, by drinking at least two litres of water a day which should be possibly combined with herbal teas e fruit and vegetable smoothies fresh.

  • Taking care of your diet

The food we eat every day is a vital ally for skin health. If properly cared for, a daily diet provides the skin with all the nutrients it needs to defend it from external aggressions, as well as keeping it plump, radiant, and beautiful. Among the most beneficial substances for the skin is beta-carotene. Found in foods such as carrots, spinach, and cabbage, it helps maintain skin elasticity and tone. Equally effective are vitamin E and vitamin C. The former, abundant in carrots and spinach, is useful for healing redness. Vitamin C, found in large quantities in citrus fruits, kiwis, cabbage, and broccoli, keeps blood vessel walls elastic. Pineapple, on the other hand, is a valuable source of bromelain, an important natural anti-inflammatory. Not to be forgotten are flavonoids, substances capable of improving circulation in small blood vessels. Berries such as blueberries, blackberries, currants, and raspberries are rich in them. Thanks to the presence of “good” Omega 3 fats, fish, especially blue fish, is also a useful food to help the circulation.

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