For many people with eczema, the first cold snap is the start of a hard season. The heat comes on, the air dries out, and skin that was calm all summer starts to itch, crack and flare. Kids are often hit hardest, and itchy nights can mean poor sleep for the whole family.
Winter eczema is predictable, which means it can be planned for. Here is how.
Key takeaways
- Winter air and indoor heating pull moisture out of the skin and weaken its barrier.
- Short, lukewarm baths or showers followed right away by a thick moisturizer are the foundation.
- Choose fragrance-free products and soft, breathable fabrics.
- A humidifier can help, especially in bedrooms.
- If flares interrupt sleep, spread or get infected, prescription treatment can make a big difference.
Why eczema flares in winter
Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, involves a weak skin barrier and an overactive immune response. The barrier lets water escape and lets irritants in, which causes dryness, itch and inflammation.
Winter makes this worse in several ways:
- Low humidity. Cold outdoor air holds little moisture, and indoor heating dries the air further.
- Hot showers. Long, hot showers feel good in winter but strip the skin's natural oils.
- Wool and heavy fabrics. Scratchy layers irritate sensitive skin.
- Wind and cold. Exposed skin on the face and hands chaps quickly.
- Sweating under layers. Moving between cold streets and hot indoor spaces can trigger itch.
The winter eczema routine
Bathing
- Keep baths and showers short, about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Use lukewarm water, not hot.
- Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser only where needed.
- Pat skin partly dry with a soft towel. Do not rub.
Moisturize within three minutes
Apply a thick moisturizer while the skin is still slightly damp. This seals in water. Creams and ointments work better than lotions in winter. Look for simple, fragrance-free products, and use them at least twice a day, including on skin that looks clear.
For kids, make moisturizing part of the bedtime routine. For adults, keep a small tube at your desk or in your bag for your hands.
Clothing and bedding
- Choose soft cotton or other breathable fabrics next to the skin
- Layer wool and synthetic fabrics over, not directly on, sensitive skin
- Wash clothes in fragrance-free detergent and skip fabric softener sheets
- Keep bedrooms cool and use breathable bedding to reduce night sweating
Humidity
A cool-mist humidifier in the bedroom can help, especially in apartments with radiator heat. Clean it regularly according to the instructions.
Hands
Frequent hand washing in cold weather is hard on skin. Use lukewarm water, pat dry and moisturize after every wash. Wear gloves outside and cotton-lined gloves for dishes and cleaning.
Common winter triggers to watch for
- Scented soaps, bubble baths, body washes and lotions
- Hand sanitizer used many times a day on cracked skin
- Wool hats, scarves and sweaters directly against the skin
- Overheated bedrooms and heavy blankets that cause night sweating
- Holiday stress and disrupted sleep, which can both worsen itch
- Dust mites and pet dander, which build up when windows stay closed
You do not need to avoid every trigger. Notice which ones matter for you or your child, and focus on those.
Calming the itch
Scratching damages the skin and makes eczema worse, which leads to more itch. To break the cycle:
- Keep nails short, especially for kids
- Use cool compresses on itchy areas
- Apply moisturizer when itch starts
- Try soft cotton gloves or sleeves at night for young children
If itch keeps you or your child awake, that is a sign treatment needs to be stepped up.
Eczema in kids
Eczema often starts in infancy or early childhood. In babies it tends to appear on the cheeks, scalp and outer arms and legs. In older kids it shows up in the creases of the elbows and knees, the wrists and the neck.
Many children improve as they grow, but some carry eczema into adulthood. Good daily skin care, early treatment of flares and a plan from a dermatologist help kids sleep better and feel better. Our pediatric dermatology page has more.
When to see a dermatologist
Over-the-counter moisturizers are the base of eczema care, but they are not always enough. See a dermatologist if:
- Flares keep coming back or are getting worse
- Itch disrupts sleep
- Skin is cracked, oozing, crusted or shows signs of infection
- Rash covers large areas
- You are not sure it is eczema, because psoriasis, contact dermatitis and fungal rashes can look similar
Prescription treatment options
Today there are many effective treatments for eczema, including:
- Prescription topical steroid creams and ointments, used in short courses
- Non-steroid prescription creams for sensitive areas like the face and eyelids
- Newer targeted pills and injections for moderate to severe eczema, sometimes called biologic treatments
- Phototherapy at some offices
Your dermatologist will build a plan based on your age, how severe your eczema is and where it appears.
Frequently asked questions
Should I bathe less in winter?
Not necessarily. Short, lukewarm baths followed by moisturizer are helpful. It is long, hot bathing that dries skin out.
Which moisturizer is best?
The best one is a thick, fragrance-free cream or ointment that you will actually use twice a day. Ointments are the most protective but feel greasier.
Is eczema contagious?
No. Eczema is not contagious, though scratched skin can become infected.
Can food cause eczema?
Food allergies can play a role in some young children with severe eczema, but they are not the main cause for most people. Talk to your doctor before cutting foods out.
Book an eczema visit
If winter eczema is making you or your child miserable, we can help. We see patients in Palm Beach Gardens, Downtown Brooklyn, the Upper East Side, Greenvale, Chicago and Boulder. Book a visit online to get a plan in place before the worst of the season.