“Ditch the Itch” This Season with Our 5 Astonishingly Easy Eczema Winter Tips

As the chilly winter months are upon us, people with eczema are dreading the dropping temps, dry air, icy winds, and inevitable itchy flare-ups. For many, winter wreaks havoc on the skin, but especially so for those who suffer from eczema. 

However, understanding how to care for eczema during the colder months and using a few game-changing strategies can ease eczema flare-ups and mitigate existing rashes. We’re sharing our 5 winter eczema tips to help you “ditch the itch” this season and make sure you stay as comfortable as possible when the chilly weather sets in. 

Managing Eczema in Winter: 5 Tips to Use This Season

Keep the Humidifier Humming

If you suffer from eczema, you likely already know that dry air is a common trigger of this irritating skin condition. Throughout the day, whether you’re in a workspace or at home, make sure to replace lost moisture in the air by keeping a humidifier humming. 

Protect Your Skin from the Cold

Even if you’re only going outside for a few seconds—for instance when going from the front door to your car—keep your skin protected by layering up. Wear gloves, a cozy hat, a thick scarf, and a winter jacket to ensure your skin doesn’t dry out in the lower temperatures. 

Consistently Drink Water Throughout the Day 

When your body is dehydrated, your skin is dehydrated. And when your skin is dehydrated, this increases the chances for itchy, irritated eczema flare-ups. So throughout the day, keep your water bottle filled and drink enough liquids to turn your urine clear! This is an easy-to-spot sign of a happy, healthy, and hydrated body. 

Moisturize Heavily to Keep Winter Eczema Away

Maintain a vigilant schedule of moisturizing to keep eczema at bay in the winter. Unlike the warmer months, such as summer and spring, a light moisturizer just won’t get the job done. In winter, it’s essential to use thicker creams with ceramides, body butter, or petrolatum-based products to lather up the skin for extra protection and to keep the skin plenty hydrated.

Additionally, to help with the itching, topical steroids can be prescribed by your dermatologist to help soothe irritation, and calm the skin. And don’t forget to apply any thick creams or lotions within just a few minutes of getting out of the shower or bath — this helps to ensure moisture is locked in! 

Switch Up Your Shower Routine

An invaluable winter eczema tip, switching up your shower or bathing routine to fit with the changing climate is key to keeping flare-ups controlled and mitigating eczema symptoms. Instead of long, hot, steamy showers, which strip the skin of its natural protective oils and dries it out even more, opt for shorter, lukewarm showers and baths. 

Furthermore, to keep the skin hydrated while bathing, add some moisturizing products to the water. Ground oatmeal is perfect for calming the skin, while Epsom salts can help reduce inflammation and swelling. 

Find a Better Eczema Treatment Plan

If your eczema is getting worse and worse with each winter season that comes around, it might be time to visit a board-certified dermatologist and reassess your eczema treatment plan. At our offices, we offer a number of prescription topical treatments to help mitigate symptoms of eczema! Take a look at our skin care brands here. 

The skin experts at the Center for Surgical Dermatology are passionate about helping patients achieve optimal skin health and are here to find a better eczema treatment plan for you. 

Center for Surgical Dermatology is ready to help you achieve healthy, beautiful skin! If you’d like to visit with a dermatologist to develop your perfect skincare routine or need help addressing eczema, call (614) 847-4100 to schedule an appointment.