Weathering The Season: 5 Tips For Handling Eczema In The Winter

Dry, itchy skin. It can appear out of nowhere and cause more than simple irritation. If it’s caused by eczema, the flare-ups can range from mild to severe, leaving sufferers searching for a cure, particularly during the winter when symptoms tend to flare.

Because the eczema flares are common during the winter, it’s important to know how to soothe them, even if curing them isn’t possible.

Turn Down The Heat

Nothing feels better than a warm shower when it’s cold outside. But as soothing as that warm water feels, it can seriously dry out our skin. You can keep skin moist by turning the temperature down and use bath products made with oatmeal. Also, limit the time you spend in the shower to 10 minutes at most. After the shower, avoid rubbing your skin. Gently blot dry to avoid further irritation.

Use Fragrance-Free Products

Avoid products that contain artificial dyes and scent. Many products contain alcohol, which dries out your skin even more, causing areas of inflammation to flare. Look for products that are free of perfumes but are extra moisturizing. You can even look in the baby section for products that are specifically formulated for sensitive skin. When it comes to treating eczema, the gentler, the better.

Use Moisturizer

Everyone’s skin can feel dry during the winter but for someone with eczema, the symptoms can become unbearable. Use moisturizers that are thick in consistency and coat your skin and offer relief. You can also try natural products like coconut oil, almond oil and aloe vera to treat areas of inflammation.

If you’re experiencing a painful flare-up, look for creams that are enriched with hydrocortisone to soothe inflamed areas of skin. Note, you should always check with your doctor prior to using creams or lotions on areas of eczema. They can provide additional hand eczema information and if you’re having an intense flare, they can prescribe you something stronger.

Buy A Humidifier

If possible, add an external humidifier to your existing HVAC unit. Since heat from your furnace can significantly dry out your skin, it’s important to find ways to replenish it. If your heating system is older and you’re not able to add a humidifier, a portable humidifier can be just as effective. The key is increasing humidity levels and replacing any moisture lost from frigid winter air and heating your home.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated can also keep painful eczema flares at bay. Make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day, avoiding alcohol and sugary soft drinks. If plain water isn’t your go-to choice, you can jazz it up with seasonal fruit, mint and even cucumber slices. The key is staying hydrated to help your skin heal.

Wintertime can be difficult for people suffering from eczema. And while it’s not always possible to prevent a flare, there are things you can do to make the symptoms just a little more tolerable.

Looking for 100% chemical-free, all-natural nourishing face and body oils? Check out Earth & Elm Nourishing Face Oil and Earth & Elm Nourishing Body Oil. Subscribe to our Trusted Health Club newsletter for more information about natural living tips, natural health, oral health and skincare. If you are looking for more health resources make sure to check out the Trusted Health Resources list. 

Written By:

Anita Ginsburg is a freelance writer from Denver, Colo. She studied at Colorado State University, and now writes articles about health, business, family and finance. A mother of two, she enjoys traveling with her family whenever she isn't writing. You can follow her on Twitter @anitaginsburg.

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.