Eczema: everything you need to know about preventing it this winter

Bracing for winter means pulling your woolly knits out from under your bed and reluctantly turning on the central heating. Both of these things can contribute to eczema flare-ups, as can a host of other changes we make to combat the chilly temperatures. If you’re unfamiliar with the skin condition, eczema is an inflammatory condition that usually results in uncomfortable, itchy, dry patches across the body.

Eczema bides its time, often appearing when the seasons change and temperatures either drop or rise. Many will have experienced it first as children, but it can hit you at any age. Whether you’re experiencing your first bout of eczema and are at a loss for what to do or are a seasoned pro who hasn’t found the products yet, don’t fret. We’ve asked the experts everything you need to know about how to calm your skin this winter and the best products to soothe it. 

What is eczema, and what does it look like?

First up, what causes the dry patches associated with eczema? “The skin feels dry and cracked when the outer layer of your skin, the stratum corneum, has abnormalities in its barrier function,” says Dr Catherine Borysiewicz, consultant dermatologist at The Galen Clinic. We often stress that making sure your skin barrier is in working order is important, and this is exactly why. “This lack of barrier function causes a reduction in lipids (fats) and a reduction in water-holding ability.” 

We usually associate eczema with red rashes, but this isn’t always the case. “Patches of eczema are dry and scaling with prominent skin texture called lichenification. On white skin, this can look red, but on different skin tones, the lesions can be purple, brown or grey,” says Borysiewicz. 

Why does eczema get worse in winter?

While skin may naturally become dryer as we age, colder weather can exacerbate the issue. “Studies have shown that skin moisture levels will generally increase during the summer months and fall during winter. This is suspected to be related to lower lipid production and reduced skin barrier function during winter,” says Borysiewicz.

She explains that skin lipids, such as trusty ceramides and fatty acids, can deplete more in winter than in other months and the temperature change can create bacteria growth on the skin, which can aggravate eczema.

What can you do to prevent an eczema flare-up?

As an eczema sufferer, I know first-hand that stopping eczema in its tracks is often impossible. However, there are a few basic changes you can make to your routine that could minimise how angry your eczema is.

The first step is an obvious one but also a hard one to tackle: stop scratching. Obviously, the urge to itch is impossible to ignore sometimes, but scratching will only make matters worse so it’s important to nip this “itch-scratch cycle”, as Borysiewicz calls it, in the bud. To help soothe the skin, she recommends moisturising – “You can never apply too much” – and keeping “itchy skin covered with long sleeves and trousers in breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen, bamboo or silk.” Her top tip? “Remember to always keep nails as short as possible.”

It’s not just the temperature of the outside world that can impact eczema. Consider what your home thermostat is saying. “Keep bedrooms cool and consider the humidity of the room. You don’t want it to be too dry; in the winter you can pop a bowl of water near your radiator,” says Borysiewicz. If you like to indulge in a steamy shower in the winter months, you could be doing more damage than good as this can strip the skin of its natural oils.

Even your washing detergent can cause a flare-up. To prevent this, Borysiewicz advises getting a conditioner or detergent that’s designed for sensitive skin and “consider a double rinse cycle if skin flares with exposure to these products. Another good trick is using a simple splash of vinegar instead of fabric conditioner.”

What skincare products can help with eczema?

Keeping skin moisturised at all times is a top priority. Product-wise, Borysiewicz recommends “soothing cool sprays, moisturising sticks or creams containing cooling agents, such as menthol, to offer an alternative instead of itching”.

She recommends opting for soap-free shower gels or cleansers as soap can strip your skin of its natural oils, and investing in a thick body moisturiser or ointment if the skin is very dry. If not, a lightweight moisturiser will be just as good. “Always apply these products in the direction of hair growth, as rubbing them the other way will plug hair follicles and lead to spots.” At the top of her list of ingredients to look out for are ceramides and hyaluronic acid for their hydration powers.

If you’re struggling to cope with your eczema, it’s best to contact your GP to discuss prescription treatments.  

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