Coping with irritating eczema in the cooler months

Coping with eczema as the cooler weather approaches can be tough.

Cold, dry winds and a dip in temperature can make it difficult to keep your skin moist and hydrated, while the constant use of heaters can irritate it even further. Add the fact that you may be tempted to take longer, hotter showers during winter and you’ve got a recipe for an eczema flare-up.

About 10 to 15 per cent of Australians are currently living with the itchy skin condition, but there are things you can do to relieve the symptoms and protect your skin. Remember, though, to always seek professional help from a GP, dermatologist or doctor if symptoms become too painful or uncontrollable.

According to Better Health Victoria, one of the best things you can do to help your eczema is to maintain good hygiene. While constant showering and many soaps can irritate the skin, it’s important to know eczema can increase the risk of infections, warts and cold sores. Because of the rashy nature of eczema-prone skin, it’s easier for bacteria to enter and infect it, which could cause further problems down the track.

So while it’s best to avoid steaming hot showers and keep temperatures to lukewarm, and if your skin is particularly sensitive, ditch soap altogether and opt for soap-free scrubs and washes, gently keeping it clean is important.

Keeping the skin hydrated is also important, so try to moisturise with fragrance-free creams. Also be sure not to rub your skin too hard with the towel when getting out of the shower, as this could cause further inflammation. Instead, try patting yourself dry.

Your skin will be feeling itchy enough and the last thing you want to do is irritate it further. While our natural instinct in winter is to keep ourselves warm, it’s important not to overheat yourself. This may mean taking off a layer of clothing when out and about and ensuring you don’t use too many blankets when sleeping at night.

While you are keeping warm, also be aware the materials in clothing can increase irritation. Avoid pure wool and polyester and opt for cotton where possible. Also be aware that similar to soap, other make-up items, perfumes and beauty products can also increase the risk of a flare-up.

Eczema can impact all parts of the body, so remember that hand soaps, shampoos lotions and other cosmetics could cause irritation to the skin.

And, as mentioned above, a change in temperature can also irritate the skin.

It’s tempting to turn up the heating in our homes and cars during the winter months, but this is can cause further problems for your skin. Where possible, resist the urge to go straight for the highest heater setting. You’ll feel warm straight away, but it could cause problems for your skin down the line.

In some cases, prescribed medication will be the only way to treat eczema. Severity can differ from person to person, so it’s important to discuss your symptoms with a doctor if you’re concerned.

Health professionals will typically prescribe moisturisers or ointments, but may suggest tablets or even ultraviolet radiation therapy in extreme cases.

Does a particular season’s weather make your eczema flare up? How do you protect your skin in the winter?