Winter Eczema Care: How to Soothe the Skin to Avoid Flare-ups

Eczema is a skin condition that causes red, inflamed skin, which can be very dry, itchy and uncomfortable. According to the National Eczema Association about 31 million Americans have eczema, that is 10% of the population. The actual cause of eczema is unknown, but it is believed to be due to overactive immune system that reacts to irritation on the skin. People with eczema also have a poor barrier function on their skin. So, they get easily exposed to substances can easily irritate their skin and cause an inflammatory response which shows up as a rash.

Eczema is usually first diagnosed in children, but it can also show up in adulthood as well. One of the challenges of winter season is that the air is much drier than normal. This makes it harder for people with eczema and dry skin generally as the skin can easily dry up and crack causing frequent flare up during the winter. If you have eczema, learning how to take good care of the skin is an essential task, more especially during the winter months. In this article, we provide practical tips for soothing and managing dry skin during the winter months.

1. Use a Humidifier

The low humidity common during winter can cause dry, irritated skin, and then eczema can flare up easily. Using a humidifier helps to replace moisture in the air can keep skin from drying and becoming cracked and itchy. In the winter months, it is recommended to have an indoor humidity level between 30 to 50%, no greater than 60% to prevent mold growth in the house.

2. Stay Hydrated

The skin is made up of 60% water, therefore keeping your body hydrated can help keep your skin hydrated too. Be sure to drink at least eight glasses of water per day. This will help moisturize your skin from the inside out and prevent it from becoming dry and itchy.

3. Avoid Skin Irritants

During the winter months, your skin needs extra intentional moisturizing routine. If you have common triggers for eczema, such as stress, heat, or exposure to certain allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, you must stay vigilant to avoid these causes in the winter. Washing beddings regularly can reduce exposure to allergens such as dust mites. Skin irritants can also be from laundry detergents and cleaning supplies. Furthermore, layering on clothing or bedding at night can cause your skin to dry out more than usual. Not to mention, winter usually requires heavier fabrics, such as wool, that can lead to flare-ups. Avoid layering on these fibers that cause eczema to worsen. Instead, use breathable materials for your clothing and bed linens such as 100% cotton or a blend that contains cotton to keep you cool. Avoid any material that is 100% polyester.

4. Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

If you have eczema, your skin requires a lot of moisturizing. Use thick moisturizers and apply them immediately after bathing or showering. Petroleum jelly is a good option. Avoid lotions and gels as they may cause even more drying of your skin. If you need help choosing the right moisturizer for your winter eczema, consult with a board-certified provider. The American Academy of Dermatologists also has a quick guide on how to choose the best moisturizer for eczema. Watch out for fragrance free instead of unscented products. Unscented products may still contain fragrance but in a masked format.

5. Avoid Long Hot Baths and Showers

Hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils, making it dry and itchy. Instead, use lukewarm water and limit your time in the shower or bath to no longer than 10 minutes. Furthermore, after bathing, ensure you don’t aggressively rub the skin with a towel, which can scratch eczema patches and make them worse. Instead, pat the skin dry. To optimally hydrate and moisturize the skin, make sure you moisturize with a thick cream within 3 minutes of shower or bath.

6. Diet for eczema

Some people with eczema may have food triggers that exacerbate their symptoms. Common triggers can include dairy, eggs, nuts, soy, and wheat. An elimination diet, under the guidance of a healthcare professional, can help identify specific triggers for you. Include foods rich in anti-inflammatory properties in your diet. These may help reduce overall inflammation in the body, which can benefit those with eczema. Such foods include fatty fish (like salmon and mackerel), turmeric, ginger, and green tea. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts have anti-inflammatory properties and may help with eczema symptoms. Some studies also suggest that probiotics, which are found in yogurt, kefir, and other fermented foods, may help improve eczema symptoms by supporting gut health. While processed foods and those high in refined sugars can potentially worsen inflammation.

7. Supplements for eczema

While it's best to get your nutrients from a well-balanced diet, certain supplements may be considered for individuals with eczema, but only under the guidance of a healthcare professional or a dermatologist. Supplements should never be used as a sole treatment for eczema, but they may complement a comprehensive management plan. Ask your doctor about the potential benefits of supplements such as Omega-3, Vitamin D, Vitamin E antioxidant for the skin, and Zinc for immune function.

8. Revisit Your Eczema Treatment Plan

Sometimes the best winter eczema remedy is to visit a board-certified dermatologist for a modified eczema treatment plan! If you feel as though your eczema is getting worse and worse with each passing winter, it may be time to revisit your eczema treatment plan. A dermatologist can help you identify the triggers that are causing your eczema to flare up and recommend a treatment plan that works best for you.

9. Use Prescription Ointments

A doctor or dermatologist can prescribe a variety of creams, medications, and ointments to treat eczema. Even if people do not need them for the rest of the year, it may be worthwhile keeping hold of prescription medications to use when winter comes. The National Eczema Association recommends prescription steroid creams such as Ala-cort, Topicort, Diprolene to relieve itchiness and non-steroid topical calcineurin inhibitors e.g. Elidel, Protopic. Doctors often prescribe non-steroid prescription ointments such as Elidel and Protopic to get a break form prolonged steroid use on the skin. Other treatment options include phototherapy, or light therapy, to reduce inflammation and prescription antihistamines to relieve itchiness and promote sleep.

In conclusion, eczema skin care can be a frustrating and uncomfortable condition especially during the winter. With the right approach, you can effectively manage your symptoms. Remember, everyone's skin is unique, so what works for one person may not work for another. It may take some trial and error to find the best skincare routine and lifestyle adjustments for your specific needs. With patience and proper education, you can enjoy the winter season again with minimal eczema flare-ups.

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