As the cold weather sets in, many people's skin begins to flake and itch — an unpleasant sensation that makes it hard to focus on tasks and spoils the mood. Often, we resort to layers of creams, but the relief is only temporary. Now scientists may have found the answer to this seasonal mystery — and it turned out to be much more interesting than just "dry air."
The Culprit of Itching — A Familiar Bacteria
Researchers from Harvard Medical School have discovered that winter itching may be caused by Staphylococcus aureus — a bacterium that resides on the skin of nearly every person. It activates the protein V8, which is responsible for transmitting sensory signals to the brain, causing a sensation of burning, pain, and itching.
This same protein is involved in blood clotting, and this characteristic led scientists to think: if its action could be blocked, itching could be alleviated. In experiments, medications used against blood clotting indeed helped reduce skin irritation.
Will There Be a New Remedy for Winter Itching?
Scientists believe that such medications may in the future become part of therapy for chronic skin diseases accompanied by itching. After all, this symptom often causes just as much suffering as the inflammation itself.
Doctors also remind us: scratching only worsens the situation. Damaged skin becomes more vulnerable and reacts more strongly to irritants — such as fur, synthetic materials, and cosmetics.
What to Do Right Now
While there is no universal remedy yet, dermatologists recommend:
- minimizing sugar intake,
- using hypoallergenic cosmetics,
- thoroughly removing makeup,
- actively moisturizing the skin, especially after a shower.
This can significantly alleviate the condition and reduce the risk of winter itching.
Source: womanhit
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