Eczema can be an incredibly frustrating and often painful skin condition to deal with at the best of times. But winter flare-ups of eczema bring with them a new level of discomfort as the rash leads to raw and itchy skin in areas that are highly exposed.
At Rheumatology and Allergy Institute of Connecticut, our team of qualified allergists and immunologists offers a wide range of services that help you better manage allergies and their effects on your body. When it comes to eczema, there’s much we can do to help you manage the condition, but there are steps you can take on your own.
With that in mind, here are some tips to help you and your skin get through the winter.
One of the main reasons why eczema flares-up during the winter is because of the dry air and lack of humidity. And this is only compounded by the dry air created by indoor heating. To make up for the lack of humidity, we suggest that you moisturize your skin with thick topical solutions that not only add moisture to your skin, but also seals it in. We’re happy to provide you with a list of great products.
You can boost the efficacy of your moisturizer by applying it right after you get out of the shower when your skin is still a little wet. This seals that moisture in, allowing your skin to absorb it all.
We know that a hot bath or shower in the winter is soothing, but hot water only serves to dry your skin out, stripping it of its natural moisturizing agents. And if you’re using a harsh soap or body wash, this only amplifies the problem. Instead, take warm, quick showers and use only the mildest of soaps.
Going a step further, when you get out of your bath or shower, don’t scrub away with a towel to dry off. Drape the towel over yourself to remove excess water then apply your moisturizer.
As you’ve seen, moisture is critical in preventing an eczema flare-up. Another great technique for adding much-needed moisture to your skin is to hydrate by drinking water. We understand that you’re not working up a thirst as you do in the summer, but you have at least eight glasses of water per day.
And you can also add water to the air by buying a humidifier for your house, especially your bedroom.
One of the most effective ways to prevent eczema is to understand which allergens trigger the rash. We can help by performing tests that will reveal which substances your skin reacts to, which helps you set up a plan to avoid contact with them.
If you have more questions about preventing winter flare-ups of eczema or you’d like to better understand what triggers your skin condition, please contact one of our two locations in Manchester or Middletown, Connecticut.
