Do you have the unpleasant feeling that your skin is particularly dry at the moment? It’s not just an impression. Several factors explain this phenomenon.
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Less pollution, more sport at home, less festive outings, more time to cook … For some, confinement is an opportunity to set up healthier routines, which often go with an improvement in the quality of the skin. Others, on the contrary, see it deteriorating. The skin is dry and tight, the imperfections multiply … Don’t worry, there are reasons for this.
Chlorine, indoor pollution and stress
First of all, running water in big cities has been chlorinated for a few days. Do not panic, it is not a measure to kill the virus in the pipes, since it is not there. However, with the shutdown of companies, less water is used. The latter thus remains longer in the pipes. To keep it clean, the chlorine contents have therefore been increased as a precautionary principle.
Non-harmful, this enrichment also makes it possible to more effectively eliminate the virus when washing hands or fruits and vegetables. But it is not without consequences for the skin. Finally, the sensations are the same as when we come out of a chlorinated swimming pool : itching, severe tightness, burning skin sensations… Some may even see Red plaques, manifestations of a mild allergy.
This can range from simple irritation to breakouts. Adds over a frequent hand washing – who “Weakens dry and bruised skin with eczema”, confirms the French Eczema Association (AFE) in a press release of April 3 – as well as the whole the stress caused by the situation, which can exacerbate flare-ups. Finally, the air of our interior is drier, poorly ventilated and also polluted by internal impurities. The skin is poorly oxygenated.
Gentle and adapted care
The AFE thus advises people suffering from eczema of any form to use “a soap-free cleaner or washing oil, suitable for atopic and fragrance-free skin ”. After washing, the skin of the hands and face should be delicately dried, without rubbing. The application of a hydroalcoholic gel, which may cause stinging and burning, should be followed by that of a moisturizer “Emollient or non-allergenic”.
Otherwise, wearing latex or vinyl gloves is not recommended : it promotes perspiration and maceration of the skin, aggravating factors of eczema. same for me wearing a scarf or scarf as a mask, responsible for itching due to friction. While the goal was to protect themselves, the person touches their face more and increases their risk of getting the virus.
People with atopic skin should therefore keep hydrating their skin, and only go to a pharmacy if the symptoms get worse. The AFE reminds that those with eczema should not in no case suspend their treatment without medical advice. The pathology being chronic, “Stabilized patients can renew their expired prescription directly in pharmacies until April 15, without going to their doctor”, she recalls.
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