Dryness, peeling, redness, and stinging sensation on the face during winter

Facial dryness, peeling, redness, and a stinging sensation during winter may result from physiological causes such as skin dehydration, or pathological conditions like allergies or rosacea. Appropriate management should be based on the specific symptoms.

I. Physiological Causes

Dry winter weather can lead to facial dehydration. If proper hydration measures are not taken, the skin may lose moisture, resulting in dryness, flaking, and a stinging sensation. Using moisturizing skincare products can help restore skin hydration and effectively relieve these symptoms.

II. Pathological Causes

1. Allergy

Using skincare products with irritating ingredients may trigger an allergic reaction, damaging the skin and causing symptoms such as dryness, peeling, redness, and stinging. Under medical guidance, topical treatments such as tacrolimus ointment or hydrocortisone butyrate cream can be applied, along with oral antihistamines like loratadine tablets for allergy management.

2. Rosacea

Rosacea can impair the skin’s barrier function, leading to facial dryness, peeling, redness, and a stinging sensation. A dermatological evaluation is recommended. Under a doctor's supervision, anti-inflammatory medications such as erythromycin ointment or mupirocin ointment may be prescribed.

In addition, seborrheic dermatitis can also cause facial dryness and peeling. Treatment with medications such as tacrolimus ointment or ketoconazole cream may be used as directed by a physician. Prompt medical evaluation is important when skin issues arise, so that treatment can be tailored according to the underlying cause.