Eczema skin can be very problematic during the cold and dry winter months. According to studies, as many as 30 percent of children in the U.S. have eczema.
The cold air and indoor heating during winter can make it harder to keep skin moisturized. If your child has eczema, you might notice their skin getting dry and itchy as the temperature drops.
This article will guide you through understanding why eczema flares up in the winter and offer practical tips to manage it.
Why Winter Makes Eczema on The Skin Worse
Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that causes dry, red, and itchy skin. Winter is one of the worst seasons for children with eczema. Cold air does not hold as much moisture as warm air, which can dry out the skin. Indoor heating, while keeping us warm, also dries out the air. These exacerbate eczema on the skin, making it harder to maintain hydration and comfort.
It’s important to recognize how these environmental changes impact your child’s skin. Dry air draws moisture away, leaving skin vulnerable to cracking. Additionally, the frequent temperature changes from the cold outdoors to the warm indoors can stress your child’s skin.
Understanding these triggers is the first step in managing eczema effectively during the colder months.
Tips for Adjusting Daily Routines for Managing Eczema
Adapting daily routines can help manage your child’s eczema in the winter. Here are things you can do to ensure your child’s comfort during the season:
- Mind Bathing Practices: Limit bath time to 10 minutes, and use lukewarm water to prevent the skin from losing natural oils. Opt for gentle, fragrance-free cleansers to protect the skin’s moisture barrier.
- Apply Post-Bath Care: After the bath, gently pat the skin dry with a soft towel. Immediately apply a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer to lock in moisture.
- Choose Clothing Fabrics Carefully: Dress your child in soft, breathable fabrics like cotton, and avoid wool, which can irritate the skin.
- Control the Indoor Temperature: Layer clothing to adjust for warmth but avoid overheating, as sweating can trigger eczema flare-ups.
- Keep Moisture in the Air: Use a humidifier in your home to add moisture to the air, preventing dry indoor conditions from worsening eczema symptoms. According to the National Eczema Society, keeping indoor humidity levels between 30 to 60 percent is ideal.
- Maintain Good Sleep Hygiene: During a flare-up, antihistamines can help control itching and help your child sleep. Establish a calming bedtime routine that includes applying moisturizer before sleep. Keep your child’s nails trimmed to reduce scratching during the night, and consider using cotton gloves.
- Keep a Clean Home: Regularly clean your home to minimize dust and allergens that can irritate eczema-prone skin. Keep your child’s bedding clean and consider hypoallergenic covers for mattresses and pillows.
Choosing the Right Skincare Products for Eczema
Selecting the right skin care products is crucial for managing eczema on the skin during winter. Not all products are created equal, and some can irritate sensitive skin.
Look for moisturizers labeled “fragrance-free” and “hypoallergenic.” Fragrances can be drying and trigger eczema. Products with ceramides and glycerin can provide extra hydration and support the skin’s natural barrier. Ointments and creams are generally more effective than lotions for sealing moisture.
Applying moisturizer several times a day, especially after washing hands or the face, helps keep skin hydrated.
How Pediatric Dermatology Practitioners Treat Eczema
Regular check-ins with a pediatric dermatology provider can make a significant difference in managing eczema. Pediatric dermatology providers can provide tailored advice and adjustments to your child’s skincare routine. They can also provide prescription medication for eczema if it becomes difficult to control.
A pediatric dermatology provider not only treats eczema on the skin but also helps prevent it. Since eczema is an inflammatory skin condition, the provider can identify any potential allergies or triggers contributing to flare-ups. Collaborating with a pediatric dermatology provider ensures your child receives the best care and support for their eczema-prone skin.
For parents with children with eczema, you can keep skin healthy even during the winter. If you need more detailed advice and recommendations, seek out a pediatric dermatology provider in Phoenix.
Eczema Skin Treatment in Phoenix, AZ
Samantha Casselman, DNP, CPNP-PC at Happy Skin Pediatric Dermatology is our pediatric nurse practitioner specializing in pediatric dermatology. She is passionate about maintaining healthy skin in children and believes in the holistic care model. We like children to be happy and healthy and do everything we can to optimize their health.
To schedule an appointment, call our pediatric dermatology office in Phoenix today at (602) 837-3376. You can also use our easy-to-fill-out appointment request form. Our friendly team at Happy Skin Pediatric Dermatology is happy to serve your child’s needs.
Sources
https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/eczema-treatment
