Everyone's skin gets chapped and dehydrated in winter, but there are some conditions that require a drastic change to your normal skin care routine

During wintertime, we enjoy the simple comforts of big, cosy jumpers and snuggling next to the fire, away from the harsh elements outdoors. But, no matter how well you wrap up, wintry weather can still strip the skin of its natural moisture barrier and cause the top layer to dry and flake off. And while you might think that January and February are the worst months for your skin, this is not the case. By the New Year, your skin has adjusted - it's during autumn when you'll notice a drop in humidity and a difference in your skin. For most people, regular use of moisturiser should help guard the skin against chilly weather, but there are some more severe skin conditions that may cause similar symptoms, and these will need extra attention.

Eczema:
Also known as atopic dermatitis, this hereditary condition can occur year-round, but often flares-up in winter. Irritants to the skin, such as fabrics (wool is a common culprit), or allergic reactions to skincare products and laundry detergent can also provoke a reaction. Although skin may become dry, you'll probably notice red, itchy patches that can scab and flake off. Try using a mild soap and moisturiser designed especially for sensitive skin - this will contain fewer ingredients likely to exacerbate the condition. Your doctor may prescribe a cortisone cream to soothe the redness and irritation. Stay away from drying cleansers, spot creams and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). Non-irritating fabrics such as cotton will also help keep flare-ups at bay.

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.