Health check: Protect your skin from the harshness of winter

This is branded content for TerryWhite Chemmart Hamilton.

In the depths of winter it can sometimes feel like we're fighting a losing battle to keep our skin supple and hydrated. But then add further challenges, like eczema and psoriasis, and it can be an extra struggle. In the latest in a series of articles aimed at keeping the community healthy, TerryWhite Chemmart Hamilton pharmacist Mark Davis explains how to care for the skin you're in when the chill sets in.

Winter can play havoc with our skin. Lower temperatures and high winds can strip it of its natural oils and moisture and leave it feeling dry, rough and tight.

It can also flare up common skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. So at this time of year, we see many people turning to pharmacies for products that will protect their skin.

Eczma is a common chronic inflammatory skin condition where patches of skin can become inflamed, red, scaly, and itchy.

Approximately 10 to 15 per cent of the Australian population experience eczema. When the skin's barrier is damaged, it can dry out quickly and allow moisture to escape.

It's harder to repair damage to the skin barrier with eczema, making it prone to irritants or allergens, which can trigger the skin to release chemicals that make the skin itchy.

Eczema rash is most common in infants. However, anyone of any age can be affected.

Eczema is a chronic condition - you can't 'get rid of eczema' permanently or ignore it and hope it clears up itself. However, there are lots of ways to effectively control and avoid it.

As with most things, prevention is always better than a cure, so knowing and avoiding your triggers, where possible, is best.

If you do experience an eczema flare-up, a combination of medication and lifestyle changes can help to manage the condition better.

Lifestyle changes include:

Call or visit us at TerryWhite Chemmart Hamilton to discuss how we can help you control your eczema and what medications we would suggest.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that occurs when skin cells grow and multiply too quickly, causing the skin's surface to develop inflamed thickened and scaly areas.

Psoriasis is a common inflammatory disease affecting around 2.5 per cent of the Australian population. It includes symptoms such as red raised and inflamed patches of skin, dryness, pain or itching/burning around patches, and whitish silver scales or plaques on the patches.

When treating any inflammatory skin conditions, it's essential to speak with your GP or visit us at TerryWhite Chemmart Hamilton first to ensure treatment options may be suitable for you.

Treatments can include moisturisers, topical steroids, medicated creams or ointments or oral medications.

Considering skin is our body's largest organ, it's essential to care for it. That's why I've pulled together some of my favourite go-to tips for helping to keep skin hydrated and healthier during the cooler months.

1 Hydration. When you consider roughly 60 per cent of our body comprises water, it makes sense that we need to hydrate constantly. Water aids in digestion, cushions joints and organs, and helps regulate our temperature. So remember to keep those fluids up, aiming for around 1.5 to two litres of water per day.

2 Turn down the heat. Who doesn't love a hot shower in winter? But this can irritate the keratin cells on the outer layers, resulting in dry and itchy skin, which is harder to retain moisture. Lukewarm water is better for showers and hand washing.

3 Exfoliate. Clear away dead skin cells with a gentle exfoliant. The smoother the skin's surface, the deeper a moisturiser can penetrate.

4 Moisturise. Moisturising helps lock moisture in, prevent damage to the skin's barrier and keep the skin smooth. To lock in extra moisture try moisturising damp skin straight after a shower using a heavier moisturiser. Speak to your pharmacist about what product may suit your particular skin needs best.

5 Sunscreen. This is a must every day, all year round. Ultraviolet rays from the sun don't just damage the skin but can prematurely age it and may turn into cancer. So remember to wear a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen and cover-up if heading out.

At TerryWhite Chemmart, we specialise in the skin you're in and have a range of products for different skin conditions or general skin health. Speak to your local pharmacist at TerryWhite Chemmart Hamilton about your skin and what products may be right for you.

This is branded content for TerryWhite Chemist Hamilton.