Should you dig at it? Or rush to a derm? See photos and action plans here
Symptoms: Red, chafed skin with a burning sensation. It's usually the combination of cold and sunburn (think skiers at high altitudes).
Treat it: Cleanse and dry skin, then combine one dime-sized drop each of moisturizer with over-the-counter cortisone cream like Cortaid Maximum Strength Anti-itch Cream ($5.49, walgreens.com). This mixture calms irritation and reduces redness. Reapply every four or five hours as needed for up to one week only. Between applications, use an aloe-based, cooling moisturizer like Kiss My Face Olive and Aloe Fragrance Free Moisturizer ($10.95, drugstore.com). Downie suggests doing a patch text first as some people can be allergic to aloe.
Prevent it: Whether you're hitting the slopes or heading outdoors during a blustery, clear day, use a heavy-duty dry skin lotion with a high SPF like Eucerin Extra Protective Moisture Lotion, SPF 30 ($8.59, drugstore.com) to keep skin hydrated and protected.
