Keep Winter Eczema In Check

Ask anyone with eczema and they’ll tell you it’s no fun any time of the year. But thanks to changing temperatures and dry air from indoor heating, late fall and winter can be especially challenging for the 31 million Americans who currently suffer with it.

Eczema is a group of inflammatory skin conditions that cause itchiness, dry skin, rashes, scaly patches, blisters and skin infections—sometimes referred to as dermatitis. People can be born with it, or it may begin at any point during childhood, adolescence, or even adulthood.

Most often experienced as patches of skin that are extremely dry and itchy, the symptoms of eczema can range from mild to severe. In the most severe cases, skin may blister and sufferers may have difficulty sleeping. Excessive scratching can also lead to infection.   

Because people with eczema may not produce a normal amount of skin oil or retain moisture, repeated exposure to cold outdoor air and bursts of dry indoor heat, can cause eczema to flare up. Symptoms of a flare-up can include: 

• Inflamed red, gray, or brown patches on your skin.
• Flaky, dry, or cracked skin.
• Extremely itchy skin that gets worse at night. 
• Blistering or bleeding.
• Small bumps that crust over and leak fluid.

Flare-ups can last a few days or several weeks.

The good news is there are steps you can take to prevent and minimize flare-ups if they occur. Here’s where to start:

1. Use a humidifier

Because a humidifier adds moisture back into the air, it is one of the best ways to combat eczema flare-ups. Be sure to maintain your machine and follow the instructions related to the type of water to use, how often to clean the machine, and replace the filter if it has one.

2. Take shorter showers and skip the tub

Because heat can cause your skin to dry out, you should avoid taking long, hot showers—no more than five minutes, or baths—no more than 10 minutes. Use lukewarm water and moisturizing soaps or body washes free of fragrance and dyes. When drying off, pat yourself dry rather than rubbing your skin. 

3. Moisturize twice a day (at least)

Use moisturizers that hold moisture in the skin. Products with hyaluronic acid, squalene, and/or dimethicone are all good choices. Apply at least twice a day and always immediately after bathing or showering. If you are experiencing a painful flare-up, speak to your doctor about using a hydrocortisone cream.

4. Moisturize from the inside out

Drinking fluids can help keep your skin hydrated. Be sure to drink at least eight glasses of fluids a day. Water, tea, coffee, and winter-warming hot chocolate are all great options. Slice up lemons or other citrus fruits and add them to the water for a mild flavor.

5. Take vitamin D supplements

According to a study conducted by Massachusetts General Hospital, taking vitamin D supplements in the winter may improve eczema flare-ups. Our bodies naturally produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, which helps skin repair itself. But because sunlight can be hard to come by in the winter, supplements can help fill the gap and minimize flare-ups.

Lixia Ellis, MD, PhD is dermatologist at SVMC Dermatology.