As the UAE's weather cools and transitions into winter, medical professionals in the country have observed a surge in patients reporting heightened chronic pain and dry skin. The nation is undergoing shifts in atmospheric pressure and wind patterns, resulting in a rapid change in weather conditions. Additionally, the decrease in humidity is intensifying certain health-related concerns.
Dr. Mais M Mauwfak, a specialist in internal medicine at Thumbay University Hospital, noted, “We do see an increase in patients during winter. Even though the UAE has a milder winter compared to many other regions, the drop in temperatures can lead to a few health issues. For instance, many people experience body aches. This can be linked to underlying problems, such as vitamin D deficiency, which is quite common in the UAE due to limited sun exposure.”
Doctors advise patients to have their vitamin D and calcium levels checked, engage in regular exercise, and adopt healthier dietary choices to alleviate these aches. “When the temperature drops, our bodies tend to tighten up, which can lead to discomfort. Also, people often become less active during colder weather, which can exacerbate any existing issues. If someone is deficient in vitamin D, they may feel more aches as their body struggles to maintain strong bones and muscles,” Dr. Mauwfak explained.
Medical experts also emphasized that skin dryness is another prevalent issue during winter. They noted that during cooler weather, many people do not drink enough water, which constricts blood vessels and reduces blood flow to the skin’s surface. “This can lead to dryness and conditions like eczema,” she added. Symptoms of dry skin can include itching, flakiness, and redness, and in more severe cases, the skin can become cracked or bleed.
Dr. Parul Gulbani Dixit, a specialist dermatologist at Prime Medical Centre Motor City, stated, “We have to understand environmental changes during winters. Cold air holds less moisture. When the environment around us gets drier, our skin too becomes drier. But outdoor elements are not the only factors affecting our skin; there are many other things that can influence our skin's condition.”
Caring for skin in the winter involves a combination of habit changes and product choices tailored to the skin type. Limiting the length and frequency of showers can help retain moisture. A long, hot shower may feel great during cold weather but unfortunately, the high heat dries the oils out of your skin. “Additionally, the type and form of moisturizers we use are very important. Though lotions are easy to apply, they sometimes contain alcohol, which can further dry up the skin. Moisturizers should be applied preferably within 10 minutes of taking a shower as damp skin can help seal moisture. People must use soap-free cleansers which help maintain moisture,” Gulbani advised.
Using a humidifier during winter can also be beneficial as it helps replenish moisture in the top layer of the epidermis. “We recommend a consistent skincare routine with gentle, hydrating products year-round and adequate water intake to maintain skin health, regardless of the season,” added Lelde Sire, Beauty and Laser expert at Quttainah Specialised Hospital, Dubai.
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