Winter air is silent enemy: Extreme temperature forces epidermis to lose moisture

Dermatitis arises when the skin's protective barrier is compromised. Normally, the epidermis comprises cells held together by lipids. When this protective layer is damaged due to chemical exposure, cold, or genetic factors, moisture evaporates, and external irritants penetrate the deeper skin layers, triggering an immune response and inflammation. Causes of Skin Barrier Damage A predisposition to dermatitis is often rooted in genetics, which influences the density of cell adherence and the body's ability to produce sufficient lipids for moisture. This condition frequently coexists with asthma or allergic rhinitis. However, even healthy individuals can experience a disrupted barrier function. Therapist Anna Kuznetsova explains that prolonged contact with occupational allergens or working in high-humidity conditions creates a cumulative effect that ultimately leads to the skin's failure to adapt.