How to prevent your eczema from turning into a full-blown itchy, scaly rash

September 21, 2017 7:35 PM

Though this condition afflicts people year round, the harsh temperatures and dry weather that come with fall and winter can trigger an eczema flare-up.

Fall is so close that you can faintly smell the pumpkin spice everything.

While some will be preparing by stocking up on cozy sweaters and booties, eczema sufferers will be preparing for a season of miserably irritated skin.

Eczema is inflammation of the skin that commonly appears as a dry, itchy rash. It is characterized by scaly, bumpy, itchy, and thick patches of dryness. Flare-ups can be caused by irritating products, infections, stress, weather changes, and allergens. Twenty-eight million Americans are affected by atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

Though this condition afflicts people year round, the harsh temperatures and dry weather that come with fall and winter can trigger an eczema flare-up. We spoke with Debra Jaliman, M.D., a New York City-based dermatologist and author of Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist, to learn how to manage eczema in the winter and make the frustrating condition more bearable.

First up: Don't skimp on moisturizer. Always moisturize after cleansing, including hand-washing. Jaliman advises that those with eczema should choose a formula with hydrating ingredients like shea butter, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides, and skip out on scented formulas. You'll also want to make sure that you're using a mild soap and deodorant specifically made for sensitive skin to avoid any extra irritation.

You will also want to re-think some of your favorite winter-weather habits, which may be inadvertently irritating your skin. For example, as tempting as a super-hot shower is on a chilly day, hot water strips skin of its natural oils—making it drier, says Jaliman. And while you might want to layer up in cozy wool sweaters, make sure you're wearing breathable natural fabrics like cotton directly on your skin.

Jaliman also recommends wearing an SPF 30 or higher every day during the winter. Surprised? Don't be—sun damage can trigger exzema, and just because it's cold doesn't mean there's no sun. “During the winter, there is still UVA light, which damages the collagen and elastic tissue," Jaliman says. She recommends using mineral formulas with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are not irritating to the skin.

Jaliman says you should also be using a humidifier while you sleep during the winter, which can help add moisture into the air and your skin.

If you get no relief from the above methods, or have a severe case of eczema, visit your dermatologist for help—you can be prescribed corticosteroid creams or oral antibiotics to repair open sores and cracked skin.