9 Ways to Prevent Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) Flares in Cold Weather

Atopic dermatitis can flare up any day of the year, causing scaly patches of extremely dry, itchy, inflamed skin. But for many people living with atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, the winter months can be especially challenging.

With atopic dermatitis, the skin barrier is “compromised,” meaning it doesn’t do an adequate job of keeping irritants and allergens out and moisture in, says Amy Paller, MD, the chair of dermatology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago. “Throw on top of that the dryness and coldness of winter, which can dry out your skin even more and irritate you, and you can end with exacerbations [flares],” Dr. Paller says.

“It’s not clear why, but changes in temperature tend to be one of the biggest triggers for people with eczema,” she says. This can be a common problem in winter, when moving back and forth between warm indoor heating and cold outside air. These nine strategies can help prevent flares even when the mercury and humidity plummet.

Hand eczema is common in winter and can cause deep cracks, peeling, and blisters on the tops of your hands, palms, or fingers, according to Jeffrey Benabio, MD, a dermatologist with Kaiser Permanente in San Diego. He recommends wearing gloves whenever you head outdoors.

The best treatment for eczema is a proactive one. That includes using moisturizers.

To protect against irritants and control itching, moisturize morning and night and anytime the skin gets wet. This is especially important after a bath or shower, says Jason Reichenberg, MD, a professor of dermatology at Dell Medical School at the University of Texas in Austin.

“In the summer, you may be able to tolerate antibacterial or deodorant soaps, but in the winter, you should switch to nonsoap cleansers,” Dr. Reichenberg suggests. Look for products labeled “face cleanser” or “body bar” and avoid anything that has the word “soap” on the package. “Even so-called natural soap products can be harsh on the skin,” he says.

When temperatures drop, a steamy shower can be hard to resist. But showering for too long — especially with hot water during the winter — strips the skin of its natural oils. This can make atopic dermatitis worse, says Reichenberg.

After walking around in the snow or being out in the rain, be sure to remove your gloves, jacket, socks, and anything else wet as soon as you come inside.

While exposure to cold air can cause an atopic dermatitis flare, dressing too warmly isn’t the answer. The goal is to maintain an even skin temperature as much as possible, says Paller.

If you’ll be doing something active and expect to sweat, choose a quick-drying or moisture-wicking fabric as your base layer, such as a lightweight cotton.

Whether you use a cool-mist or warm-mist unit, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. “Otherwise the humidifier could harbor organisms, particularly mold, which isn’t good for someone with an allergic tendency and could end up making eczema worse,” Paller says.

While you may be chilly when you get into bed, getting cozy under a heavy comforter can leave you feeling hot and itchy a few hours later. To avoid overheating at night, dress your bed as you dress yourself — in layers.

One of the many frustrating things about atopic dermatitis is that you can do everything right and still get a flare. If you can’t break the itch-scratch cycle on your own, check in with your doctor or dermatologist.

“There are so many wonderful ways to treat eczema right now,” says Paller. “We don’t just have steroid creams. We have several different types of topicals. We also have injectable biologics that have helped people who were using steroid after steroid or immunosuppressant medication. Even if you haven’t had success in the past, you might find something that is just right for you, and it can change your life.”

• Eczema tends to worsen in cold weather. But there are plenty of steps you can take to counteract flare-ups.
• When you’re outside, be sure to protect your skin from cold air exposure and dress in layers. At home, step up the moisturizing routine, try sleeping with a humidifier, and try to keep showers or baths short and warm, not hot.
• There is no cure for eczema, but there are ways to manage it and minimize symptoms — even in cold weather.