Windburn
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Windburn is a skin burn condition where wind removes the top layer of oil from the skin. The lack of oil causes excessive dryness of the skin, leading to redness and a burning feeling. Redness and burning are also common symptoms of a sunburn, so the two conditions are often mistaken for each other.
Pure windburn is usually not protected against by sunscreen effectively, since wind exposure will chap the skin even without the sun exposure. However, the moisturization agent in sunscreens does help windburns, and windburn does not seem to have the long term damage effect of the sun.
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[edit] Common cause
On cold days, people will often confuse their sunburn as a windburn. Windburn is actually a distinct condition whereby the top layer of oil is removed from the skin, causing excessive dryness that leads to redness and a burning feeling.
People commonly believe that any burn that happens on a cold day is windburn, but this is not the case. Sunburns are caused as a result of ultraviolet light, not by the temperature, hence it doesn't matter whether high temperatures are present or not. The condition is commonly associated with skiing, where one can experience both windburn and sunburn very easily. This is due to the fact that strong winds are frequent at higher altitudes, and snow is an excellent reflector for ultraviolet rays. Also, at higher altitudes you have a smaller cushion of UV-blocking atmosphere above you; thus, the level of exposure on a mountain is much higher than it would be at sea level on a beach.
[edit] Prevention
The prevention of windburn and sunburn should go hand in hand. Covering the skin, using sunscreen, and moisturizing are important prevention methods.
One important point to make is don't forget the sunscreen in the winter. Most people don't think they're receiving ultraviolet light, when it's cold or snowy outside. Sunscreen will act as not only environmental protection against that UV-UVB light, it will also provide much needed moisturizing agents.
When you are skiing you are faced with low humidity, direct wind, which further tortures your skin, and freezing cold. Ideally, you should wear fleece-based protection for your entire face to both comfort the skin and protect from wind. A good layer of sunscreen on your skin is mandatory because of the further damage from UV radiation. Suncreen needs to be replaced every couple of hours. Moisturizing with sunscreen while you go up on the ski lift will be good to protect your skin. Use highest SPF, 30 to 50, and preferably a zinc-based or avobenzone based sunscreen. Don't forget to moisturize your lips with a sun block lip protector, as well. Goggles are also extremely important.
[edit] Treatment
You can apply aloe-based moisturizer to alleviate the symptoms.
