Millions of people suffer from eczema—an itchy and irritating skin disorder that is frequently hereditary. Eczema outbreaks can occur at any time of year and may be caused by a range of allergic or environmental conditions. Nevertheless, for many people who have eczema, their symptoms are usually a lot worse in winter than in warmer seasons. This is because humidity drops during the winter season, causing dry skin that leads to eczema flare-ups.
So, what must be done to keep your skin from developing eczema or worsening it? Check out these simple ways to help prevent winter eczema.
1. Always moisturize.
Dry winter air triggers irritation and itchiness on sensitive skin. To avoid this, you should constantly apply moisturizer to your face, hands, and any part where eczema has a tendency to crop up. Skin exposed to the outdoors is particularly susceptible.
Put humidifiers in rooms where you stay a lot – the bedroom, in particular. Apply an oil-based moisturizer on your skin more than a few times during the course of the day, especially after showering or bathing.
2. Guard your skin from the elements.
You could still get sunburn on chilly, winter days that can aggravate eczema. Put on sunblock whenever you go outside, especially to parts of your body that will be visible. You should also have gloves on, but be cautious about the material used to make them. Wool irritates the skin of most people with eczema so insert a cotton or synthetic glove liner, or completely keep away from wool.
Be dressed in layers of clothing to avoid getting too cold. Freezing, dry air could irritate sensitive, inflamed skin.
3. Keep yourself dry.
Chafing due to damp clothing can increase irritation to sore, itchy skin. Make sure to remove wet clothes as soon as possible after an outdoor activity or workout. Wash yourself after a sweaty exercise session and towel dry. If these winter skincare tips are not enough to keep your skin eczema-free, visit your dermatologist and ask about allergens and other issues that may be triggering your skin flare-ups. He may prescribe creams and ointments to ease the problem.
Great 3 tips. Now winter is coming I always try to prepare as I have terrible dry skin. I don’t have eczema but it is really bad. I find the best tip is number 2. Just have to cover up against the cold environmental elements.