Cold dermatitis? Check the condition of the intestines

Patients who come to the appointment with a dermatologist with complaints about cold allergies are recommended to be examined for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract or the presence of foci of internal infection. These factors usually affect the change in the pH level of the skin, cause its increased dryness and sensitivity to the effects of cold. As a result, cold dermatitis develops as an inflammation of the skin in response to its cooling. Cold dermatitis should be differentiated from other skin diseases in order to prescribe adequate treatment.

Causes of cold dermatitis

Today, scientists are considering three versions that could explain the development of cold dermatitis. According to one of them, cold causes spasm of capillaries in the superficial layers of the skin, due to which their blood supply is disturbed and inflammation develops.

According to another version, a decrease in ambient temperature can cause a disruption in the process of cellular protein synthesis, due to which protein molecules form large compounds that are perceived by the body as foreign. As a result, an intensive synthesis of histamine begins and skin irritation appears. Under heat, protein compounds break down.

The third reason for possible cold allergy is excessive evaporation of moisture from the skin surface due to disruption of the sebaceous glands and insufficient fat coverage of the skin. So, for example, cold dermatitis often occurs in people with hypersensitivity of the skin, as well as in elderly patients with age-related dry skin.

Skin hypersensitivity to cold can be caused by:

• impaired immunity;
• intestinal diseases, gastric ulcer, pancreatitis, other gastrointestinal diseases;
• chronic infectious diseases (tonsillitis, pyelonephritis, periodontitis).

Signs for diagnosing cold dermatitis

Under the influence of cold, the skin, deprived of sufficient fat layer and nourishment, dries up. In desiccated areas, intensive exfoliation of cells and cracking of the skin occur. The inflamed areas become purple in color, they are disturbed by itching, burning, pain. The resulting cracks can get wet, bleed, and become covered with crusts. It is possible to attach a bacterial infection and develop complications.

Cold dermatitis is localized, usually on open areas of the skin – face, ears, hands, but may appear on the inner thighs and knees, even if they are tightly covered by clothing.

Diagnosis and treatment of manifestations of cold dermatitis

Cold dermatitis is diagnosed on the basis of an external examination with a clear connection of its manifestations with exposure to cold. Differentiates from psoriasis, atopic dermatitis based on dermatoscopy and skin pH measurement.

Treatment is symptomatic – antihistamines, agents for improving blood microcirculation, vitamins PP, A, E. It is important to eliminate the source of infection in the body in order to stop the manifestations of cold allergy, which could provoke skin inflammation. The patient is recommended to use fatty nourishing creams, cosmetics with a softening and moisturizing effect.