Eczema is an inflammatory condition that occurs on the skin due to various causes. Many people notice a worsening of eczema, especially in the winter months when temperatures drop and heating provides us with dry indoor air. Cold, wind, and dry air are not the skin's best allies, so it's not surprising that the severity of eczema is even more pronounced during this time of year.
Winter eczema typically most prominently affects areas directly exposed to the cold, such as the hands and face.
Fortunately, there are effective methods and solutions for eczema that can alleviate the condition and protect the skin from the impacts brought by winter.
Causes and symptoms of winter eczema
You may notice that eczema flare-ups occur more frequently or worsen during winter. Dry air combined with indoor heating can lead to skin dryness. In winter, the main cause of eczema is the loss of moisture or dehydration, weakening the skin barrier due to a lack of lipids in the skin. The worsening of skin conditions in winter is mostly associated with low humidity levels, colder and drier air, and indoor heating. Eczema worsens as the skin cannot retain enough moisture. Flare-ups can also occur due to wearing too many layers of clothing, hot baths, or excessive use of blankets—activities more common during the cold winter months.
Cold and dry conditions strip the skin of its natural moisture, leading to outbreaks of winter eczema. During the winter, people often try to warm up and relax their bodies in hot baths or showers, further drying the skin and causing more irritation, as hot water damages the outer layer of the skin that retains moisture.
Winter eczema brings about skin imbalances and symptoms that can significantly impact our daily lives. The condition can affect the quality of sleep, reduce concentration, cause irritability, discomfort on the skin, and impact self-esteem.
The following symptoms characterize winter eczema:
- Severe itching, especially at night
- Dry, scaly patches on the skin
- Small, raised bumps that could leak fluid and scab over if scratched
- Extremely dry, sensitive, and reactive skin
Managing winter eczema
Eczema can be extremely bothersome, but with the right approach, we can have a significant impact on it. To reduce outbreaks of winter eczema and soothe irritated skin, we have gathered some simple and useful tips for you.
Preventing Outbreaks
- Ensure maintaining a consistent home temperature
Keep all rooms in your home at the same temperature (ideal is 18°C) and wear thin layers of clothing that you can slowly add or remove as you adapt to the environment.
While central heating maintains warmth and comfort, it also removes moisture from the air. A water container or a humidifier near radiators can help alleviate the drying effect and reduce the negative impact on the skin. It is equally important not to sit too close to a heat source and instead ensure that the entire space is adequately warm.
Although we consistently close windows to retain heat during colder months, a lack of proper ventilation means that dust mites, whose droppings often trigger eczema, have ideal conditions for reproduction. Inadequate ventilation can also lead to mold growth, which can also trigger eczema outbreaks. To avoid these triggers, ensure daily ventilation of living spaces.
- Hydrate your skin at least twice a day with a nourishing cream or skin balm
Consistent moisturization is essential for maintaining a resilient skin barrier, preventing the entry of irritants and allergens. Products with a higher oil content, such as balms, play a vital role in rejuvenating and safeguarding skin that has lost moisture and lipids, thereby enhancing its elasticity.
Oil-based moisturizers act as a protective shield against moisture loss through the skin barrier, and skin balms are particularly effective in sealing in moisture when humidity levels decrease.
While opting for a richer product texture is crucial during colder periods, it's equally important to apply moisturizer followed by skin balms to problematic areas immediately, providing additional relief, restoration, and moisture retention. This skincare routine is recommended to be repeated twice daily. Always ensure to protect all exposed areas before going outdoors.
- Avoid hot baths and choose skincare products carefully
Since heat can cause skin dryness, avoid very hot baths. Instead, use warm water. To maintain skin moisture during bathing, add some moisturizing products to the water. Add some oil to baths or use oatmeal proteins, but in any case, avoid products with sulfates, artificial fragrances and dyes, and foaming baths. Also, limit the duration of baths. Children with eczema should bathe for a very short time, from 5 to 10 minutes.
After bathing or showering, do not rub the skin with a towel. Instead, gently pat the skin. Rubbing can further damage the skin, leading to more itching. Patting can help avoid this and leave some moisture on the skin.
Be attentive when choosing laundry detergents. Look for products formulated specifically for sensitive skin.
- Avoid contact with certain materials
Some fabrics, such as wool, nylon, and others, can irritate the skin and cause eczema. They can also lead to overheating, which exacerbates the condition.
Opt for breathable materials like cotton and avoid wearing too many layers. Also, remove unnecessary layers on the bed and ensure that bedding is made of breathable materials. Hats, scarves, and gloves can effectively protect you from cold and heat loss, but if made of rough and irritating material, they can further irritate already sensitive skin. Choose soft, seamless fabrics, and make sure that all items in direct contact with the skin—underwear, pajamas, leggings, and socks—are made of natural materials, preferably 100% cotton.
Daily skin care
- Keep on moisturizing
Moisturizing the skin is crucial throughout the year, especially in winter months. Low temperatures and dry air cause moisture loss in the skin, which can be replenished by regularly using moisturizing skincare products.
Formulations recommended for winter dermatitis contain ingredients that soothe the skin, help maintain moisture, and contribute to a healthy hydrolipidic layer of the skin. Ideally, moisturize and protect the skin at least twice a day, repeating the process as needed.
- Avoid irritating substances
Many perfumes and personal care products with preservatives can irritate the skin. It is advisable to check the ingredients of all products that come into contact with the skin before use. Choose fragrance-free formulations with the fewest possible ingredients.
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Can CBD cannabinoid alleviate winter eczema?
CBD products have exceptional therapeutic potential in the case of winter eczema. Research indicates that CBD has antimicrobial properties, and cannabinoids also possess numerous anti-inflammatory properties, including inhibiting allergic skin reactions by activating cannabinoid receptors.
Regarding itching, researchers studying a skin balm rich in cannabinoids found that the intensity of itching decreased by an average of 60%. Additionally, approximately 33.6% no longer needed corticosteroid creams to manage eczema.
A 2019 study following 20 patients with various skin conditions, including eczema, found that a topical CBD balm is safe and effective in treating inflammatory skin conditions. The product helped reduce itching, restore the skin, and improve sleep quality.
Hemptouch offers 100% natural formulations, providing excellent soothing and anti-inflammatory care even for all of the symptoms of winter eczema. In addition to waterless CBD balms, it is recommended to use the Comforting Cream Body Wash, which is entirely sulfate-free, followed by Pristine Forest Body Lotion, which ensures moisturization and relaxation for sensitive skin. Apply the skin balm to problematic areas over the lotion to lock in moisture and protect the skin. In the case of a severe outbreak of winter eczema, choose Therapeutic CBD Skin Balm, and for mild outbreaks and transient symptoms, use Soothing CBD Skin Balm.
Lifestyle changes
Here are some key lifestyle changes you can make to alleviate the effects of winter eczema.
- Intake of Healthy Nutrients and Adequate Hydration
Unfortunately, there is no specific diet or universal advice for relieving eczema, but there are still certain nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and D, fiber, and zinc, that can help alleviate symptoms of skin imbalance.
Free radicals can damage cells and cause skin inflammation. Consuming food rich in vitamins and antioxidants has a positive effect on reducing the negative impacts of free radicals. Make an effort to consume a lot of seasonal and local food, preferably minimally processed. Excellent sources of nutrients can be found in kale, pumpkins, pears, beets, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, etc. In addition to maintaining a healthy diet, always ensure adequate hydration. Water or tea is an ideal choice to provide sufficient moisture to the skin from the inside. As a reminder for fluid intake, you can set an alarm on your phone or keep a water bottle within reach throughout the day.
- Limit stress levels
It sounds so simple, yet we all know it's not. The skin is a major stress organ for many, earning this reputation because, during stress, the body releases a hormone called cortisol, which can worsen symptoms of eczema.
- Self-care is crucial during the winter months
Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to reduce stress. Purposefully take time for activities that bring you joy and pleasure. This is undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for your skin.
- Ensure an adequate intake of vitamin D
The skin naturally produces vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. Since there is little sunlight in the winter months, it is recommended to compensate for the deficiency by taking vitamin D supplements, thus aiding the skin in its renewal.
A review of a study from 2016 suggests that vitamin D supplements can significantly improve symptoms of eczema.
Conclusion
The foundation of managing winter eczema is consistent skincare with natural, gentle, and effective skincare products.
An effective skincare routine, along with ample moisturization, includes the use of waterless skin balms that create a protective barrier, making the skin stronger, more resilient, and healthier.
If you want to learn more about alleviating the symptoms of your eczema, you can sign up for a free consultation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
-What is the main reason for the occurrence of winter eczema?
The main reasons for the occurrence or worsening of eczema in the winter months are low temperatures and the drying effect of dry indoor air due to heating.
-What are the symptoms of winter dermatitis?
- Severe itching, especially at night
- Dry, scaly patches on the skin
- Small, raised bumps that could leak fluid and scab over if scratched
- Extremely dry, sensitive, and reactive skin
-What should be avoided when dealing with winter dermatitis?
Avoid soaking in hot baths, using products containing sulfates, artificial colors, and fragrances, rough towel rubbing, wearing rough, synthetic, and less breathable fabrics, excessively hot indoor spaces, and dry air.
- How can CBD products support the skin in the case of winter eczema?
CBD products provide relief from itching, redness, and inflammation. They strengthen the skin barrier, which is crucial in the case of eczema. Hemptouch skincare products offer exceptionally soothing and supportive care that effectively alleviates all symptoms of winter eczema without causing unwanted side effects.
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Written by Barbara Novak on December 6, 2023, updated on December 7, 2023.
