Winter skin itching is a common problem, but many people are not aware of its causes and how to effectively prevent it. Shanghai dermatologist Zheng Huajuan told reporters on the 8th that there are three main reasons for skin itching in winter: environmental factors, physiological factors, and lifestyle habits. It is reported that in winter, the cold wind is chilly, the air is dry, and the humidity drops significantly. The moisture on the surface of the skin evaporates rapidly with dry air, and the stratum corneum serves as the "protective shell" of the skin. Once dehydrated, it becomes rough and fragile, and the gaps between the tightly arranged keratinocytes become larger. External stimuli (such as cold air and dust) are more likely to invade, causing itching and sensitivity. At the same time, there is a large temperature difference between indoors and outdoors. When walking from a warm indoor environment to a cold outdoor environment, skin blood vessels will rapidly contract and expand. Under repeated stimulation, the skin's tolerance will decrease, especially in exposed areas such as cheeks and nose tips, which are prone to redness and burning sensation. The sebaceous glands on the surface of the skin secrete oil, which mixes with sweat to form a "sebum membrane". This membrane can firmly lock in skin moisture and prevent it from evaporating. Experts point out that in winter, when the temperature is low, the activity of sebaceous glands will decrease, the amount of oil secreted will decrease, the protective power of the sebum membrane will weaken, the rate of water loss will accelerate, and dryness and itching will follow. In addition, the sebaceous gland function of elderly people tends to decline with age, and skin problems become more pronounced in winter; Dry skinned individuals are born with low sebum secretion and are also a high-risk group for skin sensitivity in winter. Zheng Huajuan frankly stated that many people unconsciously engage in behaviors that harm their skin during winter, such as bathing with excessively hot water to keep warm. Hot water can wash away natural oils on the surface of the skin, exacerbating dryness; Frequent use of cleansers such as shower gel or soap can further damage the sebum membrane; Unable to resist scratching when itching, it can scratch the skin barrier, forming a vicious cycle of "itch scratch itch", and even causing infection. So, how to scientifically maintain the skin in winter? Zheng Huajuan stated that people should follow the principle of "warm, light, and soft" when cleaning their skin in winter, using mild cleaning products and avoiding alkaline soap and shower gel, as they can disrupt the skin's acid-base balance and make the skin more prone to dryness. The temperature of the shower water should not be too high, close to human body temperature, and the shower time should not be too long. It is recommended to control it within 10 minutes to avoid excessive cleansing and loss of natural oils from the skin. For people with particularly dry or sensitive skin, it is necessary to reduce the frequency of bathing. After cleaning, the public should apply moisturizing products such as moisturizer, moisturizer, or body lotion when the skin is still slightly moist, which can better lock in skin moisture. When choosing moisturizing products, it is advisable to choose products with simple ingredients, no fragrances, or low fragrances to reduce skin irritation. In terms of diet, Zheng Huajuan suggests that the public drink more water and eat more foods rich in vitamins A, C, E, and Omega-3 fatty acids. In terms of clothing, this expert suggests that the public should choose pure cotton, soft, and loose fitting clothes as much as possible, and avoid wearing rough sweaters or synthetic materials that come into direct contact with the skin. In addition, maintaining good lifestyle habits among the public, such as regular sleep and exercise, can also help enhance the skin's resistance and reduce the occurrence of skin itching. Aunt Wang, who lives in Pengpu New Village, has a long-standing problem with itchy skin. Every winter, her skin becomes dry and itchy, especially on her calves and arms, where white shavings often appear. At first, she thought it was just ordinary dry skin, so she casually applied some skincare products, but the symptoms did not improve at all, and instead became increasingly severe. I used to think that itching on my skin was just a minor issue, just apply some skincare products casually, but I didn't expect there to be so much knowledge in it, "she said. This made her feel very confused and troubled, and even affected her daily life and sleep quality. At Shibei Hospital in Jing'an District, Shanghai, Zheng Huajuan developed a scientific nursing plan for Aunt Wang. Aunt Wang strictly followed Dr. Zheng's advice, adjusted her lifestyle habits, scientifically cleaned, moisturized and locked in water, and made corresponding changes in diet and clothing. After a period of persistence, Aunt Wang's skin condition has significantly improved, with itching symptoms almost disappearing and her skin restored to smoothness and health. In the interview, Zheng Huajuan kindly reminded the public that if the symptoms of skin itching persist or worsen, it is necessary to seek medical attention in a timely manner to avoid delaying the condition due to itching caused by other diseases. (New Society)