The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Stay warm this winter

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Dec 08, 2007
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Stay warm this winter

Sahana Charan

Cases of asthma and allergic bronchitis go up during the season

Bangalore: It is that time of the year when you usher in the season with hot cups of tea and hotter samosas.

But even as the drop in temperature in the city is an indication that winter is here, the cold weather has brought with its bouts of viral infections and allergies.

Cold draught

“Cases of asthma and allergic bronchitis usually go up during winter because of the cold draught. The presence of pollen in the air is also high during this time which aggravates the problem for asthmatics. Respiratory infections are also common during this season and some people may get bronchial spasms if exposed to the outside air,” according to K.R. Ravindra of the Department of Medicine at the Victoria Hospital.

Viral infections

Dr. Ravindra said that viral infections were in the form of cold, running nose, fever and sore throat. “Those who step out in the early morning and late evening are more likely to catch a viral infection and should protect themselves adequately by covering their head and ears,” he said.

If viral infections are common during winter, it is also a time when your skin cries out loud.

Itching

“Drying of skin may lead to severe itching all over the body because the skin loses moisture and some people may develop cracks.

“The lower back, forearm, elbows and heels are the areas of the body prone to drying and cracking up and should be kept moist all the time,” V. Sudhamayee, consultant dermatologist, Columbia Asia Hospital, said.

Dryness of skin

Dr. Sudhamayee said that skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis and other allergies would worsen during winter because of the dryness of the skin.

“Some people may develop allergic reactions on exposure to the sun, such as itchy patches and tiny spots. This is because dry skin is more vulnerable and is affected easily by the harsh sunlight,” she added.

She said that use of moisturisers immediately after bath was a must to capture the moisture in the body.

Sunscreen

Those exposing themselves to the afternoon sun should wear adequate sunscreen, she said.

A few people may develop “exanthen”, reddish rashes on their skin, because of viral infections, and “propura”, bleeding under the skin in patches. But these were not very common, Dr. Sudhamayee said.

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