5 Tips for Preventing an Eczema Flare-up This Winter

You're not alone if you notice your eczema or your child’s eczema flare-ups each winter. About 204 million people worldwide have eczema and many report worsening symptoms in winter.

Eczema is a chronic condition that tends to flare up during the winter because the cold air combined with indoor heating (which strips the air of moisture) can leave your skin drier than ever.

While dry air doesn’t cause eczema, it can trigger a flare-up if you’re prone to the condition.

Below, Dr. N'Dama Bamba, MD, MPH, shares five strategies to reduce your flare-ups this winter. We also explain how the Dr. Bamba's Health and Medical Center team in Glen Burnie, Maryland, can help manage your eczema.

1. Lock in moisture

Don’t wait until your skin feels dry or cracked before you pull out the emollients, creams, and lotions.

After every shower or hand wash, pat your skin dry and apply a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp. This helps seal in hydration and strengthens your skin’s natural barrier.

2. Swap out your detergents and soaps

Your soap and laundry detergent could be triggering your eczema. Harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances strip your skin of its natural oils and leave you more vulnerable to irritation.

This can be a year-round trigger, but the combination of irritating (and drying) products and dry air can impact your skin.

Choose soaps and detergents that are:

Mild
Fragrance-free
Formulated for sensitive skin

If you hand wash dishes, wear gloves.

Not sure if your soaps contain harsh ingredients? You can find hand soap, body soap, and shampoos free of harsh chemicals through the Environmental Working Group’s database called EWG’s Skin Deep®.

3. Keep your home warm (but not too dry)

While it’s tempting to crank up the heat, dry indoor air can damage your skin. You don’t need to sacrifice your warmth, though. You can use a humidifier to keep the air in your home from getting too dry. Some HVAC systems have built-in humidifiers. If yours doesn’t, you can always use a portable humidifier.

Another tip? Sweat can trigger eczema in some people, so dress in breathable layers to avoid overheating and sweating.

4. Wear soft fabrics

Choose soft, breathable fabrics like cotton. Wool and synthetic materials can be scratchy, aggravate sensitive skin, and rub against eczema rashes. If you want to wear a wool sweater, put on a long-sleeve cotton undershirt to prevent irritation or itchiness.

Did you get new clothes over the holidays? Always wash new clothes before wearing them.

5. Keep stress levels to a minimum

Stress — particularly psychological stress from unforeseen events or decision-making — is a significant trigger for eczema flare-ups. Practice stress-reducing techniques like:

Deep breathing
Gentle exercise
Time management
Meditation
Yoga
Mindfulness
Hobbies like knitting or reading

Find the ones that you like best and stick with them.

According to research on stress and eczema published in the 2023 issue of The Annals of Dermatology, psychological treatment and physical exercise can dramatically improve stress and eczema symptoms.

Remember, self-care isn’t selfish. It’s necessary for your mental and physical health, and that includes your skin health, too!

How we can help treat your eczema

Dr. Bamba believes in a comprehensive approach to managing chronic conditions. That’s why our team includes stress management and exercise recommendations as part of a holistic chronic disease management plan.

In addition to lifestyle changes, Dr. Bamba can also prescribe topical medications and creams to help manage eczema flare-ups.

Don’t let painful eczema flare-ups stop you this winter. If you’re struggling with itchiness and pain, visit us in Glen Burnie, Maryland.

Schedule an appointment online, or call 443-493-7760 to get started.