[Winter skin diseases]

Abstract

Winter climate is prone to induce cutaneous and systemic alterations mediated by cold. Xerosis due to the impairment of the desquamation process is not rare on the limbs. Chilbain results from reversible alterations of the dermal vasculature. Cold panniculitis is the consequence of lipid crystallization within adipocytes. More dramatic issues occur when cold exposure extends beyond skin. They are represented by frostbite and body hypothermia. Intensity and duration of cold exposure combined with wind speed, altitude and environmental hygrometric value govern the potential type of low temperature-dependent pathology. Ultraviolet irradiation can also induce cutaneous lesions during winter time.