Winter Eczema Flares and How to Stop Them

If you’re one of the 31 million Americans with eczema, you know how bothersome flare-ups can be. You might also find that your symptoms spike during the winter.

While a range of factors fuel wintertime eczema challenges, there’s a lot you can do to minimize or prevent flare-ups.

At her offices in Valencia, Burbank, and Lancaster, California, Dr. Maricar Cutillar-Garcia provides comprehensive eczema care for all ages.

What happens during an eczema flare-up

Eczema is a chronic skin condition. In other words, eczema isn’t curable. Eczema symptoms aren’t constant, however. They often occur in flare-ups in between bouts of remission.

During an eczema flare-up, your symptoms either come back after complete remission or worsen for a period of time. Flare-up symptoms may include any of your usual eczema symptoms, such as:

Blisters
Dry or itchy skin
Red, scaly skin
Leathery skin a
Skin rashes
Skin swelling
Small bumps on your skin

Discomfort from your eczema flare-up may affect your ability to sleep, causing daytime fatigue and low moods.

Because eczema weakens your skin’s protective barrier, flare-ups can lead to a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection. This is especially likely if you scratch itchy skin areas and develop open sores.

Wintertime eczema hazards

During the winter, temperatures and humidity often drop. As a result, eczema-prone skin can become increasingly dry and scratchy.

Taking hot showers or baths, using harsh detergents or soaps, dehydration, and allergies can worsen these effects. The same goes for wearing materials, such as wool and tight layers, that trap heat or scratch your skin.

How to prevent or manage flare-ups

To enjoy your winter months without the hassle of increased eczema symptoms, Dr. Cuttilar-Garcia may recommend:

Taking short baths or showers in lukewarm (not hot) water
Using gentle soaps without alcohol, dyes, and fragrances
Patting your skin dry after cleansing
Using a prescription moisturizer
Using a humidifier in your home or office

To stay well-hydrated, consume plenty of water or other hydrating options, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, low-fat milk (nondairy, if needed), and herbal tea.

Meanwhile, make sure your clothing layers are loose, soft, and breathable. Eczema-friendly materials include bamboo, cotton, and silk.

Eczema, allergy, and infection care

If allergies contribute to your eczema flare-ups, you may benefit from phototherapy (light therapy), injectable biologics, or immunosuppressants.

If you’ve developed an eczema infection, you’ll need an oral or topical antibiotic or antifungal medication, or oral or intravenous antivirals. Once you’ve started treatment, you can expect improved symptoms within a few days and cleared skin within two weeks.

To get personalized guidance for managing or preventing eczema flare-ups, call our office or request an appointment through our website today.