Frost bite

In addition to the everyday nuisance of dry skin, there are some more concerning winter skin conditions. Extended exposure to freezing temperatures can cause frost bite, a type of permanent damage to skin and underlying tissue. Just as water can break a glass container if left in the freezer for too long, our body’s cells (which have high water content) will burst and die if frozen. For this reason it’s extremely important to take precautions against frost bite if you’re planning to be outside for extended periods in sub-32-degree weather. Pay special attention to your hands and feet as they are farthest from the warmth of the body’s core and will freeze before other areas. Some of the first signs of impending frost bite include pain in the tips of fingers and toes when they are rewarmed. This stage of cold damage is reversible and is known as chill blains. With further exposure, chill blains can become frost bite and, in extreme cases, may require amputation of the damaged tissue.

Sun damage

Ultraviolet radiation from the sun can cause sunburn and skin damage in the winter, especially when rays reflect off of snow. It is a common misconception that sunblock is only needed when the weather is warm or the sky is clear. Radiation exposure can occur at any time of year, even on cloudy days. Without protecting your eyes from UV rays, you can also get “sunburn of the eyes,” often known as “snow blindness.” Of course, exposure to UV radiation permanently increases the risk of skin cancers.

Infection

Another complication of dry skin is potential infection. The skin is normally colonized with bacteria that are harmless unless they get into our tissues and blood stream. Cracked skin can provide an entry way for bacteria to invade, and this is further aggravated by scratching (common when skin is dry and itchy). If you notice pain or redness developing in an area where you have been scratching or have cracked skin, this could be a sign of a bacterial skin infection called “cellulitis.” The treatment for cellulitis is antibiotics so it’s important to contact your doctor if you think you might have a skin infection.

Nose bleeds

Finally, winter air can promote nose bleeds by exposing delicate blood vessels (found in the nasal mucosa) to extreme dryness, damaging the vessel walls. In most cases, nose bleeds are not dangerous and will resolve on their own with some gentle pressure. In more severe cases (such as for people on blood-thinning medications), a healthcare professional will need to pack the nose with cotton gauze to stop the bleeding.