Winter Eczema Treatments and Care in 2025
Eczema is a skin condition that affects many people and symptoms tend to worsen in extreme temperatures. Winter is one of the worst seasons for many suffering from eczema. Spending more time indoors with the heater on doesn’t help matters. However, there is good news for those with eczema! The good news is that there are treatments for eczema that can provide relief and alleviate the severity of symptoms during these cold and dry months every year.
What Causes Winter Eczema Flare-Ups?
Eczema is a common inflammatory skin condition that causes dry, flaky, and itchy skin. Flare-ups occur when environmental, dietary, or health factors irritate the skin. Weather and dry environments are known to make conditions worse.
Eczema often appears as rashes on the skin; scratching them can cause infections and worsen the condition. Infected rashes on the skin should be seen immediately by an experienced and licensed dermatologist who can diagnose and treat the problem. However, a proactive approach is to take measures to alleviate symptoms in the drier and hotter months of the year to minimize the discomfort one experiences from eczema flare-ups. During flare-ups, the skin barrier does not function correctly, leading to the skin’s ability to retain moisture and being left unprotected from the environment and elements, so anything that can be done to help protect the skin and keep it moist will help, as well as avoiding things that can worsen the symptoms.
Things to Avoid When Suffering from Eczema
There are things that can be avoided to minimize the possibility of eczema flare-ups during cold winter months.
First, avoid hot baths and showers. Although steamy showers feel good in the moment, they dry the skin out because the extreme temperatures strip away the natural oils. Hot water is known to dry out skin, and countering the effects of eczema includes giving up some niceties. The National Eczema Association recommends lukewarm baths with added ingredients, including oatmeal-based bath products, gentle oils, baking soda, and vinegar. All these should be dissolved completely and diluted so the skin doesn’t react to their harshness in concentrated form. Post-bathing routines can also include products and methods to reduce inflammation. Locking in moisture by patting the skin with a towel and applying oil or topical medications followed by a thick moisturizer can make a tremendous difference this winter. Try all or one of these winter eczema treatments for the best care and fewer flare-ups.
Second, use gentle soaps and detergents. Laundry soap and body wash trigger eczema flare-ups anyway, so add the dry and cold winter months, and flare-ups can occur. Take this time to find mild soaps and detergents that get the clean you want without the irritants. Continue with these products going forward, and you may find significant relief from moving away from harsher perfumed and chemical skincare products.
Third, do whatever you can to moisturize your skin. Adding lotion after a bath or shower can help, but using a humidifier in your space and staying hydrated can provide your body and skin with some extra moisture. Humidifiers are used in offices, homes, and other spaces where people spend time. The heater in the car, home, and office dries the air, so the humidity is low, triggering dry skin. No moisture in the air means no moisture on the skin. Portable humidifiers can be purchased at most stores, and some heaters are compatible with home humidifiers. You can research it online or ask your HVAC group. The caveat with using a humidifier is keeping it clean – a dirty humidifier can grow bacteria and worsen eczema symptoms. Stay hydrated, and keep water interesting with lemons, cucumbers, and watermelon!
Lastly, stay away from materials known to irritate skin. Unfortunately, many winter clothes contain these materials, so those suffering from eczema must be intentional about the things they purchase and wear during the colder months. Anything with wool, nylon, and polyester often triggers eczema because they dry out the skin and are irritable to the touch. When possible, stick with 100% cotton linens, with bamboo and silk being other options.
If you suffer from eczema, don’t worry. This winter, you can find relief by avoiding some things and integrating others. Eczema is a common skin condition that many people simply suffer through year after year. Instead, make some easy changes to help alleviate the discomfort and dryness caused by eczema this winter.
If you have eczema and want to see a professional dermatologist for treatment options and relief, contact Dr. Sherrie Straughn at Buckhead Dermatology. Dr. Straughn has more than thirty years of experience treating clients in Atlanta, and she would love to help you achieve the skin you desire. Contact her offices today online or call for an appointment at 404-816-4000.