If your eczema seems to flare as soon as temperatures drop ❄️and the heat comes on, you are not alone. Fall and winter can be particularly challenging for eczema-prone skin. Lower humidity, dry indoor heat, hot showers, and heavier clothing can all contribute to increased dryness, itching, redness, and irritation.
October is Eczema Awareness Month, making it a good time to understand why seasonal eczema flares happen, what you can do at home to protect your skin, and when it may be time to see a dermatologist.
Why Does Eczema Flare in Cold Weather? ❄️
Your skin barrier helps keep moisture in while protecting your skin from irritants. People with eczema have a weakened skin barrier, which makes it easier for moisture to escape and leaves the skin more vulnerable to irritation.
As temperatures fall 🌡️, humidity levels tend to drop. Turning on indoor heating can make the air inside your home or workplace even drier. Together, cold outdoor air and dry indoor heat can make it more difficult for eczema-prone skin to retain the moisture it needs.
The result may be familiar: dry or scaly patches, persistent itching, redness, cracking, and increased sensitivity.
Hot Showers Can Make Dry, Itchy Skin Worse
A long, hot shower 🚿 can be tempting on a cold New England morning, but your skin may not appreciate it.
Hot water can strip away some of the natural oils that help protect your skin and retain moisture. For people with eczema, whose skin barrier is already compromised, frequent hot showers may contribute to additional dryness and irritation.
💡Try keeping showers shorter and using lukewarm rather than hot water. Afterward, gently pat your skin dry and apply a fragrance-free moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp to help lock in moisture. 🧴
Your Fall and Winter Clothes May Be Irritating Your Skin
Sweaters, coats, scarves 🧣, and extra layers come out as temperatures drop, but certain materials can aggravate sensitive skin.
Rough fabrics, including some types of wool, may create friction against eczema-prone skin. Heavy layers can also trap heat and sweat, which can trigger itching for some people.
💡Consider wearing soft, breathable fabrics directly against your skin and layering heavier materials over them. If you notice eczema consistently developing where certain clothing touches your skin, the fabric or friction may be contributing to your flare.
How to Help Prevent Eczema Flares in Fall and Winter
You cannot control the weather, but a few changes to your daily routine may help support your skin barrier during the colder months:
🚿 Take shorter showers with lukewarm rather than hot water.
🧴Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer regularly, particularly after bathing or washing your hands.
💧Consider using a humidifier when indoor air becomes particularly dry.
🫧 Choose gentle, fragrance-free skincare products.
👕 Wear soft, breathable fabrics against your skin.
✋ Avoid scratching whenever possible, as scratching can further damage irritated skin.
Most importantly, do not wait for your skin to become severely irritated before paying attention to it. Maintaining a consistent moisturizing and skincare routine throughout fall and winter can help support the skin barrier even when your eczema is under control.
When Should You See a Dermatologist for Eczema?
Not every eczema flare can be managed with changes at home. If your symptoms persist despite moisturizing and avoiding known triggers, it may be time for a professional evaluation. 🩺
Consider seeing a dermatologist if your eczema is interfering with sleep or daily activities, your skin becomes painful, cracked, bleeding, crusted, or weeping, or products that previously controlled your symptoms are no longer working.
A dermatologist can evaluate your skin, help identify potential triggers, and recommend an eczema treatment plan based on your symptoms, age, skin, and medical history.
Eczema Treatment in Woburn, Burlington, and Beverly, MA
Eczema can affect children, teenagers, and adults, and treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Understanding your individual triggers and supporting a healthy skin barrier can make a meaningful difference, particularly during the dry New England fall and winter months.
At DermPhysicians of New England, our dermatology team provides medical and pediatric dermatology care for eczema at our offices in Woburn, Burlington, and Beverly, Massachusetts.
📅If your eczema is persistent, worsening, or becoming difficult to manage, schedule an appointment with DermPhysicians of New England today.