Eczema feeling extra itchy this winter? Eczema flare-ups are common during the winter however, the good news is that there are lots of things that you can do to ease symptoms.

The winter months can be a difficult time for eczema sufferers as eczema symptoms and flare-ups tend to be a common occurrence due to the colder weather, constant change in temperature, and the air is much drier than normal. If left untreated and unmanaged, skin infections, cracked skin, and visibly irritated red skin can occur.

Manage eczema outbreaks and soothe irritated skin during the winter months by following these easy tips to control symptoms, as recommended by our dermatology nurse.

What Is Eczema?

(also known as atopic eczema or dermatitis) Eczema is a condition causing itchy skin and is often seen in sensitive skin types. People with eczema tend to have an over-reactive immune system. Stress, food allergies, and certain foods can cause the condition to worsen.

It is a highly individual condition that varies from person to person and comes in many different forms. It is not infectious so you cannot catch it from someone else. The word eczema comes from the Greek word “ekzein”, which means “to boil”. Those with hay fever or asthma are said to be more at risk of developing eczema.

Eczema can be completely unpredictable and difficult to live with, particularly severe eczema flare-ups. Recognising the triggers that cause your eczema flare-ups will be an effective measure in managing the condition and preventing making symptoms worse.

Why Is Eczema Worse In The Winter?

Eczema symptoms tend to be worse during the winter for a number of reasons:

• The drop in temperature

• The constant temperature changes; the cold weather outdoors to central heating indoors

• The air being drier than normal with no moisture

• Wearing too many layers of clothing and not allowing your skin to "breathe"

What Can I Do To Help Symptoms Of Eczema?

1. Prepare For Extreme Temperature Changes

During the winter, our skin is battling with the constant change from hot to cold, indoors to outside and it can wreak havoc on our skin. Environmental triggers such as extreme temperatures, of course, cannot be controlled but can affect eczema.

The heat can stimulate that itchy, prickly feeling those with eczema know all too well. It can also cause sweating, which may lure bacteria and unwanted chemicals to your skin. Having eczema doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a cold winter night or a hot summer day though. But you should be prepared for either extreme with a treatment plan that lessens unwanted symptoms.

Solution: Try not to let your skin get too cold. If possible, stay inside as much as possible to maintain a more manageable body temperature. When you do have to go outside, wrap up well. Try to protect sensitive areas from rapid temperature changes. For example, if your affected skin tends to be on your hands, wear gloves every time you go outside.

2. Moisturise More Often

Moisturising should be an important part of your routine if you suffer from eczema regardless. However, it should be imperative during the winter. Try switching to a thicker moisturiser when the temperature drops, with occlusive ingredients such as shea butter or petroleum jelly. Don't forget your body skin too, it's essential to moisturise after showering or taking a bath as the hot water can strip delicate skin of essential oils.

Avoid steroid creams as much as possible, if possible, and try switching to a non-steroid based version instead. We recommend Atopiclair Cream which aids in repairing the skin barrier (as those with eczema have a weakened skin barrier) and offers relief from itching, burning sensations, and inflamed skin associated with eczema and dermatitis.

3. Switch Your Skincare Products

During the cold weather, the skin can become even more sensitive and reactive making itching worse and eczema symptoms heightened. This means that skincare products that do not usually irritate the skin can start to cause problems, such as contact dermatitis.

Avoid traditional soaps and detergents with SLS in (shortened for sodium lauryl sulfate, you usually find this in low-cost body washes or foaming cleansers). These tend to remove the natural oils from the skin leaving your skin's barrier function dry and vulnerable which can then trigger eczema symptoms and flare-ups.

Solution: To control symptoms, use moisturising treatments such as a thick moisturising emollient as a soap substitute and add an emollient to the bath or shower. Avoid staying in water for too long and pat the skin dry with a towel, never rub eczematous skin dry.

4. Increase Your Vitamin D Levels

Many clinical studies have shown that low vitamin D tends to cause an increase in eczema symptoms. We naturally get our vitamin D when we are exposed to direct sunlight daily however, due to the lack of sunlight during the winter months, vitamin D levels can drop and cause a deficiency. A study from 2016 suggests that vitamin D supplements can significantly improve the symptoms of eczema or atopic dermatitis.

Solution: Try to get outdoors as much as possible but don't forget your sunscreen still! You can also supplement vitamin D during the winter with Advanced Nutrition Programme Skin Vit A+. Always check the ingredients first incase you have a food allergy.

5. Purchase A Humidifier

As the air is dry with minimal moisture, this can cause skin irritation occurring and symptoms of eczema to flare up.

Solution: Combat this by investing in a humidifier to not only put the moisture back in the air and rehydrate dry skin but it can also have a positive impact on the body’s overall hydration.

6. Skip The Hot Bath

As nice as a steamy hot bubble bath feels during a cold winter's day, unfortunately, it's no good when trying to manage eczema. As the heat from the bath can cause your skin to dry out, you should avoid taking very hot baths during the winter. Alternatively, bathe in warm water and don't stay in too long, or try to take quick showers instead. Add moisturising products to the water to keep the skin moist. Young children and baby's skin with childhood eczema should also limit time spent in the water, as a child's skin is equally as sensitive, to no longer than 10 minutes.

Of course, don't forget to moisturise your skin regularly after washing it to maintain moisture on the skin's surface. Dry the skin immediately after coming out of the water and avoid sitting in or wearing wet clothes as the damp environment can contribute to eczema.

7. Avoid Certain Materials

You may want to check the labels of some of your favourite cosy jumpers... For some materials, common culprits include wool and nylon, they can actually irritate the skin and make eczema worse. They also may cause overheating, which also causes excess moisture and bacteria and then leads to flare-ups.

Solution: Choose breathable soft fabrics, such as cotton, and avoid wearing too many layers. Also, eliminate unnecessary layers on your bed and make sure bed linens are made from breathable fabrics as well.