Dr Punam Krishan has revealed the three skin conditions on the rise this winter and shared a number of simple tips which can help protect your skin health during the cold months
Dr Punam Krishan has returned to her regular spot on BBC Morning Live after her dazzling stint on Strictly Come Dancing. The TV doctor recently introduced Bollywood moves to the Strictly stage for the first time – but now she’s back to share her essential health tips.
The 41-year-old TV regular, who was voted off the dance floor in late October, is now raising the alarm about common winter habits that are wreaking havoc on our skin. The GP has noticed a spike in cases of eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea at her practice, conditions exacerbated not just by the chilly weather.
Dr Punam explained: “There are fluctuations in temperature. The central heating is cranked up, which further zaps the moisture from our skin. We don’t drink as much water, we indulge in all the wrong foods, and we drink a bit more alcohol which dehydrates the skin.”
She warns that these factors, combined with festive stress and the usual bout of winter bugs, could spell problems for our skin this season. It’s not just those with skin conditions that need to be cautious.
Dr Punam has also shed light on the common “winter itch” phenomenon. This is where parts of the body become incredibly itchy without showing a rash.
She told TV viewers: “Winter itch is a type of dermatitis that comes on in colder months. We talk about the three-minute moisture rule. When you come out the shower or bath, when you’re still damp, within 3 minutes is when you want to put on a nice gloopy moisturiser that really soaks in.”
The online beauty community has been abuzz with the “slugging” trend. This involves slapping copious amounts of ointment on your face overnight for intense moisturisation. The TV doctor had a word of caution, however.
Dr Punam noted that while this can be effective using thin ointments like Vaseline, there’s a catch. She cautioned: “The idea is that it helps to prevent any water from being lost, so you get shiny, glowy skin.
“The only caveat is that if you’ve got acne-prone skin, congestion, or oily skin, you’re actually going to end up blocking that oil into your skin and end up with breakouts.” So be a bit careful.
The doctor concluded by offering some straightforward advice to promote healthy skin, regardless of your skin type or conditions. “Moisturise at night time.
“We’re rubbish at drinking water but teas and coffee does count. You can get water from foods, salads, fruit, veggies too.
“If you have got skin conditions keep a diary to track what are your triggers, what makes it worse, what makes it better, take that to your GP and we can create a regime that works for you.”
She also stressed the importance of continuing to use sunblock, especially in snowy conditions where UV rays can be reflected onto the skin from unexpected angles.
Furthermore, she cautioned: “Prevention is better than cure. If you’ve got itchy, dry skin that you’re not getting on top of, talk to your doctor. If your skin gets really cracked and you’re scratching it, you’re going to end up introducing infections.”
