Dry skin in winter

Seborrheic Dermatitis:
Like eczema, seborrheic dermatitis symptoms are exacerbated by climate changes and often appear in the form of red, itchy skin. However, seborrheic dermatitis isn't a dry-skin condition; it's a stress-and-hormone-induced overgrowth of yeast in the sebaceous (or oil) glands. It causes flakes to appear around the eyebrows, in the folds of the nose, and on the scalp - commonly known as dandruff. Your doctor will most likely prescribe an anti-fungal cream to control the yeast, and you should see results in about a week. Continue your normal skin care routine while you're on the medication, but stop using any spot creams or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) which can dry out skin and make the symptoms worse.

Psoriasis:
This is a severe skin condition that affects lighter-skinned individuals. It can start as early as your late teens or early twenties, but it can develop at any time. Unfortunately, doctors aren't sure what causes the disease, but hereditary factors may play a role. Symptoms include red, irritated lesions covered in scaly, flaky skin. Healthy skin cells turn over approximately 28 to 30 days, but psoriasis sufferers' skin cells regenerate much more rapidly - around every three to four days - and cause the lesions, which usually appear on the hands, elbows or buttocks. There is no cure, but regular use of cortisone ointments and heavy moisturisers can keep mild flare-ups at bay. More severe cases require an oral retinoid medication. Not every treatment works for the individual, and you may have to try several medications or combinations before you see results.