Welcome back to Just Curious, Strong Women’s weekly series exploring all the random health and fitness questions you’ve always wondered about but never got the answers to.

This week, we’re asking why some people experience skin itchiness during periods of cold weather and what, if anything, can be done about it.

It may (finally) be sunny outside, but if the frigid temperatures we’ve seen over the last week are anything to go by, winter is far from over. And as well as spelling bad news for your heating bill, the cold weather we’re having can wreak havoc on your skin.

We’re not just talking about how dry and dull your facial skin gets at this time of year, either. For some people, the cold weather can lead to excessive itchiness and irritation, especially on the arms and legs. In some cases, this itchiness can even lead to welts and hives.

But what’s driving this reaction, and is there anything you can do to stop this kind of winter itchiness? We put that question to a group of dermatologists – here’s what they said. 

There are two main reasons why people might experience itchy skin when it’s cold outside. The first is a condition called pruritus hiemalis, also known as ‘winter itch’.

According to Dr Jonathan Kentley, consultant dermatologist at the Montrose Clinic, this condition is relatively common and stems from how drying the cold weather can be.

“If you are prone to dry or irritated skin, the cold weather can dry out the skin even further, because the lack of humidity draws water from the skin,” he says. “This can then be made worse by using central heating when we’re at home.” As the skin continues to dry out, it becomes stripped of its natural oils, compromising its protective barrier. As a result, our nerve endings can become irritated, leading to an itchy sensation.

It’s for this reason that people with eczema or other skin conditions might find their symptoms get worse during winter as the skin loses its integrity.

The second reason why some people experience itchiness after exposure to cold weather is the release of histamine. “The release of histamine triggered by exposure to cold air or sudden temperature changes can cause the skin to itch, sting or even develop welts in some cases,” explains Dr Sophie Momen, consultant dermatologist at the Cadogan Clinic. 

“For example, physical activity in colder temperatures can increase blood flow to the skin as the body warms up. This process may overstimulate certain skin cells, releasing histamine and leading to itchiness – particularly in people with heightened sensitivities.”

This might explain why some people find their legs grow itchy after they come inside from the cold, as the blood flow returning to their skin causes the irritation.

In rare cases, it’s possible to have an allergy to the cold. This condition, known as cold urticaria, can lead people to develop red, blotchy skin and hives soon after exposure to cold air, wind or water. “Cold urticaria is most commonly seen is situations such as skiing or cold water swimming, but could happen in cold weather,” Dr Kentley adds.

“Mild cases can be treated with antihistamines, but severe cases can lead to low blood pressure and fainting, so consult a doctor if you develop major symptoms.” 

To stop your skin from getting itchy when it’s cold outside, there are some simple steps you can take. The first, and perhaps most important, is to keep your skin barrier happy.

To do this, you’ll want to focus on retaining moisture. Warm fabrics such as wool can make this worse; you’ll want to reach for fabrics that allow the air to circulate around the skin and prevent irritation, such as linen and silk. “Using a regular moisturiser, including creams with humectants such as urea, can also help,” Dr Kentley says.

If your itchiness often arises when you move from the cold to the hot, then taking time to acclimatise your body – by avoiding hot baths and rooms as soon as you get in from a walk, for example – is a good idea. Wearing warm layers and opting for compression leggings or socks – which can help to improve circulation and reduce itchiness – can also help.

“Using a mild exfoliant once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells can also be beneficial,” Dr Momen adds. “This prevents flakiness and promotes smoother, healthier skin that is less likely to itch.”

She continues: “If you are prone to histamine release, you might also consider taking an over-the-counter antihistamine before heading out. This can help to block the reaction that causes the itching.” 

Images: Getty