Managing Eczema During Winter Months
Lindsay Knake
| 3 min read
Lindsay Knake is a brand journalist for Blue Cross B...
Key Takeaways
- Eczema is a group of skin conditions that can cause inflamed, cracked skin, especially on the head, neck, hands and feet.
- Applying a non-scented moisturizer can help protect or restore the skin barrier and reduce symptoms.
- Keeping showers short, using a humidifier, wearing sunscreen daily and wearing breathable clothing are also ways to manage eczema in the winter.
Dry, cold air can make eczema symptoms worse for those with the chronic skin condition.
Eczema is a group of skin conditions that cause inflamed, cracked skin, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) The most common type is atopic dermatitis, which often starts during childhood. Eczema symptoms include itchiness, a red rash, flakey skin and excessive dryness. It isn’t contagious and can appear anywhere on the body, particularly on the face and cheeks, neck, in and around ears, lips, hands and feet.
Lower humidity, indoor heating and cold, windy outdoor temperatures can be difficult for people who have eczema, according to the National Eczema Association (NEA).
Here are a few tips on how to keep your skin healthy in the winter.
Moisturize your skin regularly
Apply thick or oil-based, fragrance-free moisturizer to your skin, including patches of eczema, twice a day or when you come in from the indoors. Also apply moisturizer immediately after showers or baths when your skin is damp to preserve the moisture. This can help protect or restore the skin barrier, which eczema can disrupt.
Make up, skin care products, soaps and detergents can also be triggers for eczema. You may look for skin care products with the NEA seal of acceptance, which indicates they have been tested and are safe for eczema. Products with ingredients such as ceramides or colloidal oatmeal can be particularly helpful.
However, some people may find the dry air is better for their eczema. Notice what works or doesn’t work for your eczema, including temperature and moisturizer.
Take short showers
While it may be tempting to take long, hot showers in the winter, hot water can trigger or worsen an eczema flare. Using warm, rather than hot, water is less likely to dry out the skin, according to the AAD.
Use a humidifier
Forced air heating systems can remove more moisturizer from the dry winter air, leading to dry and cracked skin. Using a humidifier in your bedroom can soothe your skin. Like with moisturizer, everyone reacts differently to humidity levels. It may take some time to determine the right humidity levels for you.
Use sunscreen daily
Wearing sunscreen is important year-round to preserve the skin barrier, protect the skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation and minimize hyperpigmentation and discoloration. The sun’s UV radiation can reflect off snow and ice, making it important to wear under your chin and neck.
Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every morning and every two hours when you go outside, especially if you engage in winter sports.
Wear breathable clothing
Heavy layers of clothing in the winter can make your skin hot, which can irritate eczema. Dress in layers, with breathable, cotton clothing next to the skin and heavier layers on top. Some fabrics like wool may be itchy and uncomfortable for people with sensitive, eczema-prone skin.
Using cotton bed sheets may also help with eczema flares.
Remove wet clothing
Leaving wet clothing can irritate skin, especially sensitive spots of eczema. Change your clothes as soon as you can if they become wet from snow, ice or sweat.
Medications
A common over-the-counter medication for eczema is corticosteroid cream. While some people may be able to manage eczema with over-the-counter remedies and moisturizers, those with severe eczema may want to talk to their primary care provider (PCP) or dermatologist about an individualized treatment plan, including prescription ointments, biologic and/or light therapy.
Talk to your PCP about any new over-the-counter treatments or if your eczema worsens or becomes infected.
Image: Getty Images
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