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Why people experience seasonal skin changes

Date:
March 7, 2018
Source:
Wiley
Summary:
A new study provides information that may help explain why many people experience eczema and dry skin in the winter.
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A new British Journal of Dermatology study provides information that may help explain why many people experience eczema and dry skin in the winter.

In tests of skin on 80 adults, the levels of breakdown products of filaggrin -- a protein that helps maintain the skin's barrier function -- changed between winter and summer on the cheeks and hands. Changes were also seen regarding the texture of corneocytes, cells in the outermost part of the skin's epidermis.

"This study shows clearly that the skin barrier is affected by climatic and seasonal changes. Both children and adults suffer from red cheeks in the winter in northern latitudes and some may even develop more permanent skin conditions such as atopic eczema and rosacea," said senior author Dr. Jacob Thyssen, of the University of Copenhagen, in Denmark. "By the use of high magnification we show that the skin cells suffer from shrinkage and therefore change their surface. The clinical message to individuals are that they should protect their skin with emollients in the winter and sunscreen in the summer.

Nina Goad of the British Association of Dermatologists said: "We already know that humidity can affect the texture of the skin and impact on skin disorders like eczema, and humidity fluctuates according to season. In the winter, rapidly changing temperatures, from heated indoors to cold outdoors environments, can affect the capillaries, and prolonged exposure to wet weather can strip the skin's barrier function. This latest study is interesting as it sheds new light on further reasons for seasonal skin changes, at a cellular level. Given that skin problems are the most common reason for people to visit their doctor, any research that improves our understanding of skin disorders and how best to manage them is always a positive step."


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Materials provided by Wiley. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Journal Reference:

  1. K.A. Engebretsen, S. Kezic, C. Riethmüller, J. Franz, I. Jakasa, A. Hedengran, A. Linneberg, J.D. Johansen, J.P. Thyssen. Changes in filaggrin degradation products and corneocyte surface texture by season. British Journal of Dermatology, 2018; DOI: 10.1111/bjd.16150

Cite This Page:

Wiley. "Why people experience seasonal skin changes." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 7 March 2018. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/03/180307095222.htm>.
Wiley. (2018, March 7). Why people experience seasonal skin changes. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 28, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/03/180307095222.htm
Wiley. "Why people experience seasonal skin changes." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/03/180307095222.htm (accessed March 28, 2024).

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