Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Winter blues and skin ailments

CHENNAI: Winter in the city may not be as harsh as it is in some northern States, but it brings with it its share of problems. Dry skin and an increased response to allergens besides, winter blues are common, say doctors.

Pulmonologist Ravi Santosham says, when inhaled the sticky particles in the air get embedded in the respiratory system causing allergic reaction. Winter is the season when more patients report allergic respiratory disorder.

“The whole gambit of diseases associated with allergy like the common cold, wheezing and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases will exacerbate,” he says. A brisk walk in the early morning, when the air is relatively cleaner, is good as it ensures deep breathing, opening the alveoli in the lungs and improving the intake of oxygen.

Adolescents and the elderly are more susceptible to winter blues, says healthcare consultant G. Rajamohan. “Some people suffer from neurological changes. As their neurotransmitters are not able to accommodate this kind of weather, they are unable to mingle freely. Lethargy, lack of initiative and silence are common symptoms,” he says.

Walking in the sun, seeking out open spaces and simple warming up routines such as jogging help drive away winter blues.

Another common problem this season is dry skin, when the skin becomes dry and flaky. An itching sensation may also persist. “Water evaporates as sweat in summer, hydrating the skin. In winter people do not sweat and hence the skin is dry. Applying a moisturising cream or lotion within three minutes after bath will retain the water in the skin and prevents dryness,” says dermatologist A.M. Jayaraaman.

Dermatologist G.R. Ratnavel agrees. “We get more patients with a condition called xerosis (dry skin) during winter. Our skin weighs 5.5 kg of which 70 per cent is water. To remain hydrated, it very is important to drink water.”

The elderly are more easily susceptible to winter blues and dry skin problems, doctors say. As the skin loses its suppleness with age, the elderly are more prone to suffer from dryness of skin over legs and arms, buttocks and thigh regions.

“Sometimes the elderly who travel in the early morning without covering their ears end up with Bell’s palsy, a condition where the facial muscles weaken and become paralysed.

The elderly must cover their ear with mufflers while travelling,” says Dr. Rajamohan.

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