What is that "ashy" skin condition I get in the winter?

My complexion is flawless for a great deal of the year, but come late fall early winter, patches of melanin start falling off of my left arm, just like a sunburn but I know it's not a sunburn. The patches on my arm are dusty white which contrast with my normally chocolate complexion. It ain't pretty. I won't be caught dead in anything other than long sleeves that time of year. But once spring roles around, the spots disappear. The only skin condition I could research that sort of fits my description is vitiligo, but vitiligo is chronic and happens all over the body, doesn't it? My condition only occurs at a specific time of the year and on a random spot of my body. I don't think it's anything serious, but I'm still curious. What gives?

What is that "ashy" skin condition I get in the winter?
dry skin
Reply:It's called you're using too much hot water in the shower. Try using cooler water instead of hot.
Reply:yeppers just put some vaseline on that area whenever that time rolls around
Reply:dry skin when it gets cold use lotion
Reply:Honestly just from experience it sounds like what I get, which is just really dry skin since the air is different once it hits the cooler months. Especially elbows since you rest them on things with your skin's lack of moisture makes them ashy. I'd just try regularly applying lotion to the affected areas at the first signs of the symptoms.
Reply:Do you feel compelled to scratch your skin until it's red and inflamed? Does your skin have a flaky, ashy appearance? Does your skin crack and sometimes bleed?





If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are probably suffering from winter-dry skin. The harsh, cold weather and dry, recycled air /heat we experience in the winter is sure to wreak havoc on our facial and body skin.





Winter weather along with indoor heating strips the skin of its natural oils and moisturizing factor-even the oiliest of skin types. We worsen the condition of winter-dry skin by bathing and showering in water that's too hot and for too long. In addition, we do not sufficiently exfoliate the dead skin cell layer or replenish the skin with oil and moisture. Many of the dry skin conditions that victimize us in the winter can be alleviated when a few simple skin care tips are followed.





First, cleanse the face and body with warm water instead of hot water. Hot water and steam tends to have a drying effect when used too frequently and/or for lengthy periods of time. If you must shower in hot water, limit yourself to 5-7 minutes of the steam and running hot water. This can easily be accomplished by turning the water off during lathering and rinsing quickly.





Exfoliate. Exfoliate. Exfoliate. It is extremely important to rid the skin's surface of built-up, dead skin cells. The most superficial layer of skin prevents our natural oil from reaching the surface of our skin as well as blocking the penetration of products into the skin. The dead layer is also the culprit in flaky, itchy, dull and lifeless looking skin. GET RID OF IT!





There are many ways to exfoliate our skin, but too many to mention here. So, here are a few examples of what can be used to safely minimize dead skin cell build-up on the face and body. Natural (almond or apricot) and synthetic (polyethylene beads) scrubs, face and body sponges/loofahs/brushes, and alpha hydroxy acid products with a concentration of 10% or less are all considered safe for at-home use on a regular basis. While exfoliation is important, please take precautions and follow the manufacturer's directions.





Finally, moisturize when the skin is slightly damp. The pores of dampened skin are open to receive emollients and allow for deeper penetration into the lower layers of the skin. This results in smoother and softer skin for a longer period of time than when a moisturizer is applied to dry skin.





Follow these simple steps, and say Good-Bye to Winter-Dry Skin
Reply:lack of vitamin D.


if its only in winter.





But I have seen those spots on surfers in the summer.


They are caused by some kind of skin bacteria in the water. They get rid of them by washing skin with Head and Shoulders dandruff shampoo.


You can see them on the skin in summer because they get tan.


They look like " leopard spots" only white.
Reply:When you're driving past the foundry in late fall, roll up your car window and keep your arm inside. The ashy stuff will not appear.
Reply:It sounds like it could be eczema, that ranges from being extremely itchy and all over the body to just a small patch somewhere.





(I like your reply to 'the racist' too, good for you!)