Most people look forward to the cold temperatures and lovely snowfall that winter brings. But for individuals with eczema, it can be a challenging time of the year. A drop in temperature also brings along dry air, which can increase skin sensitivity and dryness, leading to a bad case of eczema
If cold temperatures and dry wind are taking a toll on your eczema-prone skin, this post is for you
In what follows, we look at a few tips to help you manage eczema as the temperature and humidity drop. But before we get into the details, let's learn why eczema flares up during winter.
Why Eczema Flares Up During Winter
When the temperature drops, it’s common for individuals to feel skin dryness. That’s because a drop in temperature is accompanied by reduced humidity levels. As a result, they experience itching, dryness, and skin irritation.
The situation is worse for people with eczema as it is an inflammatory skin condition where your skin reacts to external triggers like certain dust, chemicals in soaps or cosmetics, and dry air.
The skin's reaction to irritants worsens when the weather is dry. Moreover, people commonly rely on hot showers during the cold weather, which dries out the skin further, resulting in red, itchy, flaky, and dry patches and an eczema flare-up.
Now, let's learn about how you can manage eczema in winter.
Effective Tips for Managing Eczema in Winter
1. Incorporate an Oil-Based Moisturizer in Your Skincare Routine
One of the most effective strategies to manage eczema flare-ups during winter is to moisturize your skin.
If you've been using a water-based moisturizer as part of your skincare routine during summer, now is the time to change it. Switch to an oil-based moisturizer that contains ingredients like ceramides, as it helps form a protective barrier on your skin. As a result, there is limited moisture loss from your skin, which can effectively guard against eczema flare-ups.
2. Apply Moisturizer on Damp Skin
Another important area you shouldn't overlook when managing eczema in winter is the timing of your moisturizer application.
It's recommended that you use an oil-based moisturizer twice daily. Moreover, it's best to apply moisturizers on areas of skin, such as the face and hands, that are likely to be exposed when you're heading outdoors.
When applying moisturizer on eczema-prone skin, ensure you do so on damp skin, especially after showering or washing your face. Moisturizer application on damp skin helps lock in the moisture, leaving your skin nourished and hydrated all day.
3. Invest in a Humidifier
People with eczema typically experience flare-ups during winter primarily due to a lack of moisture content in the air. Even the indoor air has limited moisture, which can aggravate eczema symptoms.
One of the possible ways to manage eczema during winter is to invest in a humidifier. Running a humidifier in your home can help increase the moisture content in the air around you, which can soothe dry and itchy skin.
However, you’ll have to figure out the right level of humidity for your skin. For some individuals with eczema, the symptoms may worsen when exposed to higher humidity levels.
4. Dress in Layers
The choice of fabric can play a critical role in managing the symptoms of eczema. It’s recommended that you dress up in layers.
Moreover, regardless of the weather conditions, it’s always best that you choose a 100% cotton fabric as your base layer.
Cotton fabric (preferably organic) is skin-friendly and allows for appropriate skin breathability. It also minimizes the risk of skin overheating, which can flare up symptoms of eczema.
5. Avoid Woolen Outerwear and Accessories
You can choose from several skin-friendly materials when choosing outerwear. However, it’s best to avoid woolen fabric as it can irritate sensitive skin. You should also avoid woolen accessories like gloves and scarves.
To keep your hands warm, choose gloves that are 100% cotton or are made up of any other breathable material to avoid overheating your hands.
6. Increase Your Water Intake
Maintaining adequate hydration is the key to a healthy life, but it often takes a backseat during winter.
If you want to manage your eczema flare-up during winter, it is critical to increase your water intake. Make sure you drink at least eight glasses of water every day. Adequate hydration will keep your body healthy from the inside, which often reflects in hydrated and nourished skin.
7. Don’t Forget Sunscreen
Sunscreens are integral to skincare during summertime, but they often don't get enough attention when the temperature drops.
While sunscreens are important during summer, they are also necessary during the cooler months of the year. The sun's damaging rays remain just as detrimental to your skin during winter. In fact, the negative impact of sunlight can increase manifold when you're heading up to the mountain or when it snows.
A good sunscreen will protect your skin against damaging UV rays, reducing the risk of eczema flare up during winter.
8. Consult with a Dermatologist
If you experience itchy, red, and flaky skin as the temperature drops, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist right away.
If you're proactive, you can save yourself from a lot of pain and discomfort, as your dermatologist will immediately start the treatment to manage your symptoms.
Managing Eczema During Winter in Florida – Connect with Suncoast Skin Solutions Today!
If you’re dealing with eczema in Florida, we recommend getting in touch with Suncoast Skin Solutions. Our expert dermatologists can guide you through several strategies to improve your symptoms and manage eczema. Moreover, they can prescribe medication that can control your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
So what are you waiting for? Call today at 844-786-3376 to schedule your appointment so you can enjoy the winter season without experiencing an eczema flare-up.
SunCoast Skin Solutions Dermatology offices are located in Tampa / Hillsborough, St. Pete / Pinellas County, Brandon, Lutz, Winter Haven, Largo, Hudson, Leesburg, Jupiter, Lecanto, Riverview, Brooksville, Clearwater, Ocala, Palm Harbor, Daytona Beach, Sarasota, Punta Gorda, Seminole, (Inverness, Port Charlette, Port Saint Lucie coming soon), Florida. Contact us at 1-844-786-3376 or click here.
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