9 Ways to Prevent Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) Flares in Cold Weather

Taking steps to prevent flares can help keep your skin healthy in colder weather — and beyond.

What Is Eczema?

With atopic dermatitis, the skin barrier is compromised, meaning it doesn’t do an adequate job of keeping irritants and allergens out and moisture in, says Amy Paller, MD, the chair of dermatology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago.

• Itchy, inflamed skin
• Dry, cracked skin
• Rash
• Small raised bumps
• Oozing and crusting
• Thickened skin

Why Is Eczema Worse in the Winter?

“The dryness and coldness of winter … can dry out your skin even more and irritate you, and you can end with exacerbations [flares],” Dr. Paller says. “It’s not clear why, but changes in temperature tend to be one of the biggest triggers for people with eczema.”

These nine strategies can help prevent flares even when the moisture and humidity plummet.

1. Protect Exposed Skin When Outside

Hand eczema is common in winter and can cause deep cracks, peeling, and blisters on the tops of your hands, palms, or fingers, according to Jeffrey Benabio, MD, a dermatologist with Kaiser Permanente in San Diego. He recommends wearing gloves whenever you head outdoors.

Be selective about fabrics that will lie directly on your skin, says Paller.

2. Step Up Your Moisturizing Routine

This is especially important after a bath or shower, says Jason Reichenberg, MD, a professor of dermatology at Dell Medical School at the University of Texas in Austin.

Keep in mind that lotions, which are mostly water, might not cut it this time of year. “At a minimum, you’ll need to use a moisturizing cream. An ointment like petroleum jelly is even better,” says Paller.

3. Steer Clear of Soaps and Scents

“In the summer, you may be able to tolerate antibacterial or deodorant soaps, but in the winter, you should switch to nonsoap cleansers,” Dr. Reichenberg suggests. Look for products labeled “face cleanser” or “body bar,” and avoid anything that has the word “soap” on the package.

“Even so-called ‘natural’ soap products can be harsh on the skin,” he says.

4. Resist the Lure of a Long, Hot Shower

This can make atopic dermatitis worse, says Reichenberg. He recommends sticking to short baths and showers of no more than 10 minutes, using comfortably warm but not hot water.

5. Dress in Layers

While exposure to cold air can cause an atopic dermatitis flare, dressing too warmly isn’t the answer. The goal is to maintain an even skin temperature as much as possible, says Paller.

To avoid the hot-cold-hot-cold cycle, she recommends wearing several light layers rather than one or two heavy ones.

“That way, if you start feeling hot and uncomfortable, you can remove a layer,” she says. You can always put it back on later if you need to.

6. Strip Off Wet Clothes

After walking around in the snow or being out in the rain, be sure to remove your gloves, jacket, socks, and anything else that’s wet as soon as you come inside.

Wet clothes can irritate eczema and, as they dry, cause moisture to evaporate from the skin, Dr. Benabio says.

7. Sleep With a Humidifier

Whether you use a cool- or warm-mist unit, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions, Paller says. “Otherwise the humidifier could harbor organisms, particularly mold, which isn’t good for someone with an allergic tendency and could end up making eczema worse,” he says.

8. Ditch the Heavy Duvet

Though you may be chilly when you get into bed, getting cozy under a heavy comforter can leave you feeling hot and itchy a few hours later. To avoid overheating at night, dress your bed as you dress yourself — in layers.

“This way, there’s something you can do if you wake up hot and uncomfortable, rather than just scratching up a storm and being unable to sleep,” she says.

9. Check With Your Dermatologist

One of the many frustrating things about atopic dermatitis is that you can do everything right and still get a flare. If you can’t break the itch-scratch cycle on your own, check in with your doctor or dermatologist.

“There are so many wonderful ways to treat eczema right now,” Paller says. “We don’t just have steroid creams. We have several different types of topicals. We also have injectable biologics that have helped people who were using steroid after steroid or immunosuppressant medication.”

“Even if you haven’t had success in the past, you might find something that is just right for you, and it can change your life,” he says.