7 Tips for Preventing Winter Eczema Flare-Ups

Cold, dry weather is tough on your skin, and if you have eczema, the effects can be especially intense. Here are seven simple steps you can take to protect your skin and relieve itching this winter.

For the 32 million Americans with eczema, winter weather doesn’t just bring snow, ice, and biting winds — it brings intense itching, too. Also called dermatitis, eczema is an inflammatory condition that causes rough, red, and itchy patches of skin — and without proper care, it can increase your risk of skin infections, too.

At Adult and Pediatric DermatologyMichael Paltiel, MDJohn A. Perrotti, MDZina Goldvekht, PA-C, and Aleksey Babakhanov, FNP, use a patient-centered approach to care, tailoring eczema treatments to each patient for maximum symptom relief. 

Educated at the prestigious Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, our physicians are skilled in an array of dermatology and cosmetic treatments aimed at helping people feel and look their best. Every treatment plan is customized for long-lasting relief, optimal results, and the highest levels of satisfaction.

If you experience eczema, here are seven things you can do to keep your skin healthy and relieve your itchy symptoms during the cold months of winter.

#1 Skip the hot showers

During a cold, New York winter, few things are more alluring than a hot, steamy shower. But even though it might feel good at the time, all that hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving you itching and uncomfortable afterward. 

Instead, keep your showers brief and use warm — not hot — water. And skip baths entirely since soaking in water can draw out even more of your skin’s oils.

#2 Use moisturizer regularly

Moisturizers help “lock-in” your skin’s natural oils, and they keep your skin soft and supple, too. If you have eczema, use moisturizer all year long. In the winter, consider using a thicker moisturizer, especially at bedtime, to counteract the effects of dry winter air.

#3 Swap your soap

Eczema makes your skin extra sensitive. Using a gentle soap with as few additives as possible helps reduce irritation, so you itch less and your skin stays healthier.

#4 Consider a humidifier

While summers in New York tend to be humid, wintertime air is extremely dry. That means your skin loses moisture more easily. Using a humidifier puts some moisture back into the air, so your skin doesn’t dry out as quickly. If you don’t want humidifiers throughout your entire home, at least consider using one in your bedroom while you sleep.

#5 Drink plenty of water

Humidifiers are good at helping your skin stay moist on the outside, but your skin needs moisture on the inside, too. Drinking lots of water throughout the day gives your skin the moisture it needs to stay hydrated. Not crazy about the taste of water? Add a spritz of lemon or lime for a burst of flavor.

#6 Go easy on exfoliation

With eczema, your skin can get irritated very easily. Exfoliating too much increases irritation, and it can strip away oils, too. Try to limit exfoliation to once a week during the winter, and always follow up with plenty of thick moisturizer.

#7 Choose fabrics wisely

Wool sweaters and blankets are great for warming you up during the winter, but those fibers can be irritating. The same is true of many polyester fabrics. Wearing an underlayer of cotton lets you enjoy the warmth without irritating your skin or making you itchy.

Find relief for your eczema symptoms

Located in the Forest Hills neighborhood of Queens, in New York City, Adult and Pediatric Dermatology features the latest technology in a spacious, new facility, along with an efficient scheduling system to help patients get the care they need without long wait times.

To learn how our team can help you relieve your itchy eczema symptoms and keep your skin healthy, call 315-860-1185 or book an appointment online today.

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