Winter Eczema Flare-Ups
January 29, 2025
Winter often brings more than just chilly weather; it can also lead to uncomfortable issues like winter eczema flare-ups. If your skin is red, swollen, itchy, or develops bumps and flaky patches, you might be dealing with a dermatologic condition. Skin rashes commonly appear on areas like the hands, arms and legs, but can occur anywhere on the body. Chronic skin conditions like eczema can easily be exacerbated during the colder months.
“With different types of eczema and each with its own unique causes,” says Dr. Michael Steppie Orlando Mohs cancer surgeon and medical director of Associates in Dermatology, “it’s important to be proactive and take steps to keep flare-ups under control. Even with our milder winter climate, skin symptoms often worsen due to dry air from indoor heating. But seasonal issues may also be based on an individual’s unique response to changes in the weather. After all, air conditioners during the summer months can also reduce indoor humidity.”
Eczema is a multifaceted condition, influenced by a mix of internal and external factors. Triggers for eczema vary widely from person to person and can include a host of environmental factors, stress, and even genetics. For children, family history often plays a significant role in their developing eczema, though exposure to irritants can be a recurring cause too. While managing triggers like dust mites or pollen can help, they’re not a replacement for good skin care routines and proper eczema treatment as needed.
How to tell if it is eczema or psoriasis?
Eczema and psoriasis are two common chronic skin conditions that are often confused due to some overlapping symptoms, but they have distinct characteristics. Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, typically presents as poorly defined red, dry patches with fine scaling. It is often referred to as the "itch that rashes" because constant scratching can lead to the development of red bumpy patches. This can also cause recurrent infections and a reduced quality of life if left untreated, especially sudden episodes of winter eczema.
Psoriasis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disorder that manifests as well-defined red plaques with silvery-white scales. Unlike eczema, psoriasis is hereditary, non-contagious, and can be triggered by stress or friction. There are several types of psoriasis, including vulgaris (plaque psoriasis), pustular, guttate, inverse, erythrodermic, and psoriatic arthritis. While eczema is often linked to allergic conditions like hay fever, asthma and food allergies, psoriasis stems from immune system dysfunction and can lead to psoriatic arthritis.
Most Eczema is Atopic Dermatitis
Eczema is a complex skin condition that can result in dry, itchy, and inflamed skin, often worsened by environmental triggers. Used interchangeably with the term atopic dermatitis, it is technically part of a broader category of skin conditions that involve inflammation. Flare-ups can occur at different times of the year depending on your location and climate, but flare-ups tend to be most severe during extreme weather, such as very cold or very hot seasons. Winter eczema is often referred to as xerotic eczema, which is particularly common and is marked by dry skin that may crack, scale, or develop red patches.
Atopic dermatitis, the most prevalent form of eczema, occurs due to an overactive immune system that causes the skin’s barrier to become dry and itchy. It's important to note that while eczema cannot be “caught” from others, its development typically involves a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Environmental factors, gut health, and dietary choices can also influence the severity of eczema. The interaction between eczema and the immune system adds another layer of complexity. Although eczema is not classified as an autoimmune disease, it is closely linked to immune system activity.
Common winter eczema triggers...
Eczema triggers include allergens, irritants, extreme weather, and temperature changes. Contributors include genetic factors, environmental triggers, and stress. Foods high in added sugars, refined carbohydrates, and processed ingredients are known to exacerbate inflammation. Symptoms often appear in flexural areas such as elbows, knees, and other places where skin folds or rubs together, leading to irritation. A better understanding of the condition and its triggers can help manage symptoms effectively, but consulting with a dermatologist is recommended for individualized advice and treatment strategies.
Managing Your Eczema by Season
Individuals with autoimmune conditions involving the skin are more likely to experience eczema flare-ups. During a flare-up, the overactive immune response inflames the skin, compromising its protective barrier and increasing the risk of secondary skin issues or infections. Rapid temperature changes, such as moving between heated indoor spaces and cold outdoor environments, can also act as triggers. Interestingly, while immune system dysfunction can exacerbate winter eczema, the condition itself can also weaken immune defenses by breaking down the skin barrier. No matter the cause, there’s no known cure but here’s some helpful to-dos:
- What can you do for winter eczema? – To minimize winter eczema symptoms, you should consider some practical adjustments. Try to regulate your room’s temperature more consistently and aim to keep your home around 65°F for a comfortable environment. Additionally, avoid overly hot water when bathing, and focus on moisturizing immediately after to help lock in hydration. So, proper and consistent skincare is vital to manage symptoms and prevent complications like infections. OTC allergy remedies like antihistamines may help reduce itchiness and inflammation, and certain types can also improve sleep.
- What can a dermatologist do for winter eczema? – A dermatologist can provide an accurate diagnosis as to the specific type of eczema you have, develop a tailored treatment plan that can include secondary skin issues, and suggest strategies to manage symptoms in your daily life. Additionally, eczema can present differently depending on skin tone. It may appear red on lighter skin, while on people of color it might show as ashen, gray, darker brown, or even purple. Notably, Black Americans are more likely to report severe eczema symptoms and dermatologic care is the best step toward managing episodes of eczema effectively.
While extreme weather conditions, such as very hot or cold seasons, are usually the most challenging, flare-ups can still occur during milder seasons. Skin can become scaly, brittle, and uncomfortable when not properly moisturized, so using eczema-friendly ointments and creams is essential for managing severe symptoms. Regular skin care routines, such as cleansing and moisturizing with unscented, alcohol-free products, are critical. Using a humidifier at home can also be helpful, as long as it’s properly maintained and kept clean.
*The FDA has recently approved a new treatment for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. Ebglyss is a prescription medication designed for individuals aged 12 and older who experience persistent symptoms like redness and oozing rough skin patches that don’t respond to topical treatments like creams or ointments. Ebglyss, a monoclonal antibody administered via subcutaneous injection, offers a unique dosing schedule. Clinical studies revealed promising results, with 77% of participants maintaining clear or nearly clear skin after switching to monthly doses.
Understanding Your Winter Eczema Triggers
Eczema presents differently for everyone, which underscores the importance of identifying your personal triggers. Atopic dermatitis and allergies may be distinct conditions, but they’re often interconnected. Certain contact allergens can cause allergic contact dermatitis, a reaction that leads to an itchy rash. Symptoms typically appear one to two days after exposure, making it challenging to pinpoint the exact trigger. Beyond contact allergens, food allergies can also contribute to winter eczema flare-ups.
Even if you’re unsure of your exact triggers, there are proactive steps you can take to help prevent flare-ups. Treatment usually involves a combination of home remedies and prescribed or over-the-counter medications. Prevention, however, often starts with maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Lowering stress levels, staying active, eating an eczema-friendly diet, and ensuring you get enough sleep can prepare your body to fight winter eczema flare-ups before they begin. By taking these measures, you’ll be better equipped to reduce the impact it has on your daily life.
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Understanding your triggers is key, as winter eczema flare-ups can happen well after exposure, making them difficult to detect. Call 800-877-7546 to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist, or use this website’s convenient “Contact Us” form to make your next appointment online at one of our sixteen dermatology offices in Orlando, Altamonte Springs, Apopka, Celebration, Clermont, Davenport, Dr. Philips, Hunter's Creek, Kissimmee, Mount Dora, Ocoee, Poinciana, Sanford, or St. Cloud.
