YOU may be wondering why your face breaks out around Christmastime, though Jamaica doesn’t have winter, as you’ve observed your skin change during the cooler seasons. While we do not have harsh winters on a tropical island, there are differences in the weather that can greatly affect our skin barrier, causing breakouts of acne and eczema.

In this article I will explain what these breakouts mean and why the change of seasons affects our skin, how we can use telemedicine for treatment and change daily practices to combat these unwelcome reactions.

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become clogged with dead skin cells and oils. Hormone fluctuations may also cause acne breakouts. It may show up as pimples, whiteheads and/or blackheads. Although most common in teenagers, anyone of any age or gender can be affected by acne anywhere on the body.

Eczema, on the other hand, is a chronic, itchy inflammatory condition that affects the skin. It may cause a defective skin barrier which struggles to hold moisture and keep harmful substances out. It may also cause the skin to have an immune response with parts of the skin overreacting to harmless substances. Eczema is commonly characterised by inflammation, lesions, rashes and/or redness of the skin which can range from mild to severe. Like acne, it can affect you on any part of your skin, not just your face.

Christmastime in Jamaica may not see a huge drop in temperature; however, the days do become cooler, often windier and not as hot as summer. This small change in temperature may still affect your skin and cause seasonal breakouts. The following are some things to focus on to protect your skin during this time.

1. Be vigilant with your skincare. The season has changed and therefore your skincare routines need to change too. While moisturising should already be a part of your daily routine, it becomes more crucial during cooler periods. Additionally, although the sun may not be as harsh, do not forget to continue to use sunblock daily, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors.

2. Stay hydrated. During warmer months you may frequently be sweaty and feel dehydrated. While symptoms of dehydration may not be as obvious in cooler temperatures, it’s important that you remain hydrated. The more hydrated you are, the stronger and more resistant your skin’s moisture barrier will be.

3. Pay attention to allergies. Christmastime welcomes a series of seasonal allergies whether that be a particular flower that only blooms during this time, or otherwise. Allergic reactions may trigger eczema breakouts including inflammation and rashes. Consult your doctor about any allergic reactions you may be observing on your skin during this season. They may help you to combat side effects and avoid your triggers.

4. Avoid hot baths. A hot shower is particularly comforting on a cool day but it may not be the best thing for your skin. Hot showers or baths are easy ways to suck the moisture out of your skin. Additionally, hot water may cause increased irritation to breakouts already on the skin.

Telemedicine and your skin

Online health-care platforms such as MDLink provide you with telemedicine access anywhere you are in the world. By using this private platform you will be able to consult with top dermatologist regarding any skin breakouts. Your doctor may assess if your breakouts are hormonal, allergic or due to bad skin care habits.

You can easily get a prescription to treat your seasonal or regular breakouts by developing, with your doctor, a personalised treatment plan. This may be prescribed medicine or a hormone treatment, if your doctor thinks necessary. In addition to that, your prescription can be sent directly to your nearest pharmacy for pick-up cutting your overall wait time down by hours.

The nature of eczema and acne breakouts are such that your doctor can assess them through photo or video footage of your skin without having to see them in-person at a health-care facility. This makes telemedicine a quick and convenient way of treating your skin while not interfering with your busy holiday season.

Dr Ché Bowen, a digital health entrepreneur and family physician, is the CEO & founder of MDLink, a digital health company that provides telemedicine options. Check out the company’s website at www.theMDLink.com. You can also contact him at drchebowen@themdlink.com.