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How to Prevent Eczema Flares in the Winter

Not everyone’s eczema deteriorates at the first sign of colder weather. However, it’s fair to say that worsening symptoms and an uptick in flare-ups is a reality for many people living with eczema at the onset of colder weather. While changing the weather is impossible, we can take steps to help our skin win the winter battle and help prevent eczema flares in the winter.

Step 1: How to Keep Your Skin from Drying Out

Moisturizer being added to an elbow with eczema.

Keeping your skin from drying out is critical when you have eczema. San Antonio’s winters aren’t the same as the northern parts of our nation. However, on average, winters have less humidity and therefore, drier air. You can keep your skin better moisturized with the following tips:

  • Moisturize your skin:
    • You may need to use moisturizer more frequently, and you may need to change your moisturizer to a heavier one in the winter. Look for oil-based products or moisturizers with shea butter.
  • Add moisture back into the air:
    • A humidifier helps decrease the amount of dryness in the air and keeps your skin moist so that it doesn’t get dried out or irritated.

Step #2: How to Avoid Irritating Your Skin

  • Keep your skin dry:
    • Wet clothes can irritate your skin and trigger an eczema flare-up. Change out of wet clothes as soon as possible and take off gloves, socks, and jackets as soon as you get into a dry place.
  • Dress for Eczema Success:
    • Cover exposed, eczema-prone skin with protective clothing like a hat, gloves, and scarf whenever you are outside. Extreme temperature changes can trigger an eczema flare. Dressing in layers can help your body stay at a comfortable temperature outside and inside.
  • Avoid irritants:
    • Try using mild skincare products free of perfumes, fragrances, or lots of chemicals. Also, be mindful of wool which can irritate the skin. Instead, stick to cotton and other soft fabrics.

many people experience eczema flare ups in the winter

Are eczema flare-ups getting the best of you this winter? Let the experts at Alamo Heights Dermatology help. Schedule your consultation today! Call (210) 255-8447 or submit your appointment request online.

Sources:

https://eczema.org/information-and-advice/triggers-for-eczema/weather-and-eczema/

https://nationaleczema.org/eczema-in-winter/

https://www.allergyasthma.clinic/blog/5-tips-for-preventing-a-winter-eczema-flare-up

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