Using a humidifier and thick moisturizer when it’s cold out can help relieve eczema flare-ups. But certain fabrics and soaps may make symptoms worse.
Eczema is a chronic inflammatory condition that causes dry, scaly, and itchy rashes on the skin.
It’s common for people with eczema to experience symptom flare-ups during the winter, according to the National Eczema Society. These are periods when your symptoms worsen or reappear.
Eczema may flare up for several reasons, such as skin barrier dysfunction. The skin barrier is the outside layer of your skin. It’s responsible for retaining moisture and protecting your skin from environmental irritants.
In the winter, several triggers could affect your skin barrier, leading to eczema flare-ups.
Here are seven tips to help you cope with eczema flare-ups during the winter.
Taking a warm bath during the cold winter months may seem like an easy way to warm up. However, hot water could cause your skin to dry out more quickly if you have eczema.
According to the National Eczema Association (NEA), properly bathing is an effective way to moisturize your skin. Instead of hot water, use lukewarm water and bathe for a maximum of 15 minutes.
Adding certain ingredients to a whole bathtub of water may also help improve skin barrier efficiency. These ingredients include:
- oatmeal
- gentle oils
- bleach (1/2 cup)
- baking soda (1/4 cup)
- vinegar (up to 500 milliliters)
It’s important to have a post-bathing routine to help lock in moisture, especially in the winter months. The NEA suggests doing the following once you finish bathing:
- patting yourself with a towel until slightly wet, rather than rubbing your skin dry
- applying a topical medication, if you received a prescription
- applying a thick moisturizer within 3 minutes
- applying wet wraps, if necessary, once your skin absorbs the moisturizer
Speak with a healthcare professional if you experience eczema flare-ups during the winter. They may recommend alternatives for your bathing routine.
If you have eczema, your skin is more likely to be sensitive to soaps and detergents.
The NEA recommends choosing body soaps and laundry detergents that don’t contain fragrances, dyes, or alcohol. Some soaps and detergents are also formulated for sensitive skin.
If you’re unsure about which soap to use, speak with a healthcare professional. They could recommend something for your condition.
Moisturizing is one of the
Consider applying a thick moisturizer during the winter, as this may be better than a lotion. Some options are available over the counter (OTC), such as petroleum jelly.
The NEA also recommends applying a thick moisturizer within 3 minutes of bathing.
If OTC moisturizers don’t help your symptoms, speak with a healthcare professional. They may prescribe a topical treatment with medication, such as a cream containing hydrocortisone.
Remember to moisturize at least
Some clothing materials may irritate your skin and cause eczema symptoms to worsen.
These include fibers more common in winter clothing, such as wool, nylon, and polyester. The National Eczema Society suggests that these may cause overheating and sweating, which also leads to eczema flare-ups.
The clothing material typically recommended for eczema is 100% cotton. Other options include bamboo and silk.
Try eliminating unnecessary layers on your bed and make sure bed linens are made from breathable fabrics, too.
One of the biggest culprits of eczema during the winter is low humidity indoors, which may result from heating systems. These could take the moisture out of the air and dry your skin.
Consider using a humidifier to add moisture back into the air. There are portable humidifiers as well as ones that you can hook up to your heating system.
It’s important to properly maintain and clean your humidifier to avoid bacteria and fungi growth that could exacerbate eczema symptoms.
Keeping your body hydrated can help keep your skin hydrated. Drink at least eight glasses of water per day to help moisturize your skin.
Slice up lemons or other citrus fruits and add them to the water for a mild flavor.
Taking vitamin D supplements in the winter may help relieve eczema flare-ups, according to the NEA. Vitamin D may have several benefits, such as:
- boosting immune system
- reducing inflammation
- strengthening the skin barrier
That said, speak with a healthcare professional before taking vitamin D supplements. They may recommend an alternative supplement that could be better for you.
What triggers eczema in winter?
Some common eczema triggers in the winter include low humidity air outside, dry air indoors from heating systems, and clothing materials like wool.
What ointment is good for winter eczema?
The NEA recommends choosing an ointment that feels greasy or oily. These usually contain more oil, which could help retain moisture in your skin. Skin barrier creams like petroleum jelly are also good options.
How long does winter eczema last?
The duration of eczema flare-ups during the winter will vary for each individual, ranging from a few days to multiple months. Several factors may affect how long you experience symptoms, such as what triggers your symptoms and the climate you live in.
The cold, dry air during the winter months could cause eczema to flare up.
However, creating a daily routine with these seven tips may help you manage the itching, pain, and rashes often associated with the skin condition.
If your symptoms persist, speak with a healthcare professional. They could help develop a treatment plan for managing eczema flare-ups during the winter.