The temperature outside has plummeted, radiators are cranked up and my patients are complaining about what’s often called ‘winter eczema’.
Many of the eight million people in the UK who live with the chronic inflammatory condition all year round experience particularly acute flare-ups in winter. But even those who don’t usually suffer eczema can develop the dry, itchy, scaly patches anywhere on their body at this time of year.
That’s because cold weather, combined with centrally heated homes, makes it harder for moisture in our skin to stay put – drying it out and causing painful cracks.
That skin barrier is designed to keep water inside the skin and irritants out. Those with eczema have a weakened barrier, which can trigger the immune system and cause inflammation. But even if you have never had eczema – or had it only as a child – extra stresses on your skin in winter can provoke a response.
Here are the simple things you can do to ease the symptoms and the itch – and when it might be time to see a GP.
Eight million people in the UK live with eczema all year round… but often experience particularly acute flare-ups in winter
Ditch the harsh soaps – especially fragranced ones
Stop using products that may be drying your skin. Traditional soaps are usually too alkaline and strip away helpful lipids – fats that protect against water loss.
Fragranced products smell nice but they contain chemicals that can exacerbate skin problems.
Instead, aim for cream-based cleansers with no added fragrance.
Aveeno has some good moisturising cream body washes. I would also recommend Bioderma’s Atoderm Cream or Dove’s Beauty Bar.
Keep your baths and showers lukewarm
Hot water worsens skin dryness because it draws out moisture.
Heat strips away protective skin layers, including the oils that keep skin hydrated, and can make the skin barrier more fragile. Don’t go cold – aim for warm or lukewarm.
With moisturisers, it’s important to look for products containing ceramides, humectants such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid, and occlusive agents
Applying moisturiser while you’re still wet
This is one of the most effective ways to soothe eczema symptoms – keep your moisturiser next to the shower and apply it as soon as you step out.
It sounds counterintuitive – most people dry off first, apply moisturiser, then wait before getting dressed. But trust me, this works.
Moisturiser forms a partial seal that locks water into the skin, rather than letting it evaporate. It’s also quicker. Pat yourself dry gently to remove excess moisture, then get dressed straight away.
Not all moisturisers are good enough
If you have eczema, you need a moisturiser to stop water escaping from the skin. Look for products containing ceramides to soften the skin, humectants such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid to draw water into the skin layers, and occlusive agents that form a barrier.
I recommend Lipikar Balm by La Roche-Posay plus moisturising creams from CeraVe and Cetaphil. For babies, try Aveeno Dermexa Daily Emollient.
Wrap up on cold days in a hooded parka
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Anything you can do to protect your skin from the cold will help. Wear gloves outdoors and consider a hood – particularly one with a faux-fur trim, such as a parka. Synthetic fibres act as a moisture trap, making the air next to the skin more humid and slowing evaporation. Scarves – especially silk ones – around the neck and lower face can have a similar effect.
You might want to invest in a humidifier
Radiators reduce humidity, which draws moisture from the skin. Humidifiers put moisture back into the air and may help improve symptoms, particularly if you spend long periods indoors.
Basic models cost from around £20. If your budget allows, Dyson has an excellent one at £400.
You can boost humidity by leaving the bathroom door open after showering to let steam circulate, boiling water without a lid or putting bowls of water near radiators.
Consider taking an omega-3 supplement
Some studies suggest that taking an omega-3 supplement daily may help support a healthy skin barrier. This has been shown to help teenagers and young adults with acne who develop dermatitis from prescription retinoids.
The evidence is more mixed when it comes to eczema, though a German study in 2008 found that people who took a supplement for eight weeks had a ‘significant clinical improvement’ in symptoms.
When you might need to resort to steroids
If your patches are red, itchy and disturbing your sleep, you may need a mild steroid cream.
Hydrocortisone cream, available over the counter, can help small areas. However, many people will need something stronger. Speak to your pharmacist or GP about a prescription-strength steroid, such as Eumovate.
This is applied to affected areas (but not the face) once daily for a week, then reduced to every other day, and then every third day.
Dr Emma Craythorne is a consultant dermatologist and founder of the skincare range Klira. Series eight of her TV show, The Bad Skin Clinic, will air on the newly launched TLC channel from January 21.
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