I’m a skin doctor – here’s 4 ways the cold snap is ruining your skin revealed and when to worry

WE all know how the cold snap can wreak havoc on the bank account.

Millions have been forced to turn up the heating despite the looming cost-of-living crisis as freezing temperatures continue across Britain.

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Freezing climates can increase your chances of several deadly conditions that could land you in the hospital.

This is because the cold weakens your body, making it harder for the immune system to fight disease and regulate itself.

But according to a dermatologist, the frigid conditions can also damage your skin, exposing it to four — sometimes serious — conditions.

1. Frostbite

Frostbite is a small, itchy bump on the skin that usually affects the extremities of the body such as the toes, fingers, heels, ears and nose.

Beauty doctor Ahmed El Muntasar said: “Chill bumps are caused by the cold, which causes vasospasm in the blood vessels that reduce the blood supply.”

Frostbite can be uncomfortable but rarely causes permanent damage, the NHS says on its website.

They usually heal within a few weeks if further exposure to cold is avoided.

2. Frostbite

“The fingers, toes, ears, or anything that protrudes from your body may be at risk of frostbite because the blood supply is reduced,” said Dr. Ahmed to The Sun.

Symptoms of frostbite usually begin with the affected parts feeling cold and painful.

As frostbite progresses, the affected tissue can die and will need to be amputated to prevent infection, the NHS explains on its website.

3. Infection

The cold weather can often dry out the skin.

“Once the skin is dehydrated it is more likely to become inflamed and more likely to become infected because you
create cracks in the top layer of skin,” said the expert.

People with eczema are particularly susceptible to infection because their skin is naturally drier and more prone to cracking.

4. Panniculitis

Cold panniculitis — which appears as enlarged, red, and painful nodules on the skin — develops between 12 and 72 hours after exposure to cold.

dr Ahmed said: “It’s a very rare condition, it doesn’t occur very often.

“This is usually due to changes in fat storage in children, as children have excess water and fat as babies, which changes over time as our muscles develop.”

It usually resolves on its own by avoiding exposure to cold and direct contact with frozen produce, the NHS says.

How to protect your skin from the cold

The best advice regarding colder weather on skin is to apply liberal amounts of moisturizer, said Dr. Ross Perry, a cosmetic surgeon from Cosmedics.

“This not only acts as a barrier effect against the cold environment, but also helps to protect and keep the skin well hydrated and hydrated.

“It’s this moisturizing effect that helps create a barrier against the environment to prevent the skin from breaking down and becoming even more irritated.”

When to the doctor

“If you’re worried about your skin, just go to your GP, make an appointment, or do an e-consultation where you can send some photos,” said Dr. Ahmed.

“If your skin becomes visibly dry, itchy or painful
or infected appearance needs to be seen by a GP,” he added.