Winter Eczema

Winter eczema, also known as “atopic dermatitis,” is a skin condition that tends to worsen during cold, dry winter months. But what exactly is it, and how can it be treated? Let’s break it down in a simple, easy-to-understand way. Winter eczema is a skin condition that flares up during the winter. The cold, dry air often leads to dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. It’s also known as “atopic dermatitis,” but don’t let the big words scare you. Atopic means you have an allergic tendency, and dermatitis is inflammation (redness and swelling) of the skin. Anyone can get winter eczema, but it’s especially common in people with a family history of allergies, asthma, or atopic dermatitis. It often starts in childhood but can happen at any age. Winter eczema symptoms include red, inflamed, itchy, cracked, and dry skin. The skin may also swell up. These symptoms typically occur on the hands, feet, face, behind the knees, or inside the elbows, but they can appear anywhere on the body.

Types

Let’s start this journey to healthy skin together.

1. Atopic Dermatitis

The first type of eczema we’ll discuss is atopic dermatitis. This is the most common form of eczema. If you have dry, itchy skin that turns red and sometimes gets tiny, fluid-filled bumps, you might have atopic dermatitis. It usually starts in childhood, but anyone can get it at any age. Cold, dry winter air can make this type of eczema worse.

2. Contact Dermatitis

Next up is contact dermatitis. This type of eczema happens when your skin touches something that it doesn’t like. This could be a certain fabric, soap, or even cold, dry air. In winter, you might start using new products to protect your skin from the cold, which can lead to a flare-up of contact dermatitis.

3. Dyshidrotic Eczema

Dyshidrotic eczema is another type of eczema that can get worse in winter. If you notice small, itchy blisters on your hands or feet, you might have this type. Dry indoor heat and washing your hands a lot (because of flu season, for example) can make dyshidrotic eczema flare up.

4. Nummular Eczema

Nummular eczema, also called discoid eczema, shows up as round spots that can look like coins. This type of eczema can get worse in winter because of the cold, dry air and the fact that you might be taking more hot showers, which can dry out your skin.

5. Seborrheic Dermatitis

Last but not least, we have seborrheic dermatitis. This type of eczema can make your skin red, itchy, and flaky. It often affects areas of your body that have a lot of oil glands, like your face and scalp. Dandruff is actually a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis. This type can get worse in winter because the cold, dry air can make your skin more susceptible to inflammation.

Causes

Reasons why eczema worsens during winter.

1. Low Humidity: Winter air is drier, lacking moisture. This dryness can cause your skin to lose hydration, leading to increased eczema symptoms.
2. Cold Weather: Cold temperatures can cause the skin to dry out and become more susceptible to eczema flares.
3. Indoor Heating: Using indoor heaters can further deplete the air of moisture, causing your skin to dry out and exacerbating eczema.
4. Hot Showers/Baths: While they feel good in cold weather, hot showers or baths can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and eczema flare-ups.
5. Inadequate Moisturization: Not applying enough moisturizer or using the wrong type can result in dry skin, a common trigger for eczema.
6. Wool Clothing: Wool can be irritating to the skin and trigger eczema. Opt for softer, breathable fabrics instead.
7. Lack of Sunlight: Sunlight can help improve eczema symptoms. Reduced sunlight in winter may lead to increased flare-ups.
8. Dehydration: Drinking less water in the colder months can lead to dehydration, which can worsen eczema symptoms.
9. Increased Stress: The holiday season, associated with winter, can be stressful, potentially exacerbating eczema.
10. Food Allergies: Winter holiday foods may contain allergens that can trigger eczema.
11. Skin Irritants: Perfumed lotions, soaps, and detergents can irritate the skin, causing eczema flare-ups.
12. Dust Mites: Spending more time indoors can increase exposure to dust mites, a common eczema trigger.
13. Allergens: Indoor allergens like pet dander and mold can increase during winter, leading to exacerbated eczema.
14. Viral Infections: Winter is flu season, and infections can trigger eczema.
15. Smoking: If you’re smoking indoors more often due to cold weather, the smoke can trigger eczema.
16. Alcohol: Consumption often increases in the holiday season, which can dehydrate the skin and exacerbate eczema.
17. Reduced Exercise: Physical activity helps reduce inflammation, but less movement in winter can worsen eczema.
18. Poor Sleep: The stress and excitement of the holidays can disrupt sleep, which can negatively impact eczema.
19. Certain Medications: Some medications dry out your skin, aggravating eczema.
20. Unhealthy Diet: Consuming too much sugar and fewer fresh fruits/vegetables in winter can worsen eczema.
21. Dry Hands: Frequent hand washing to prevent winter illnesses can dry out the skin, causing eczema on the hands.
22. Scratching: Itchy winter clothing can make you scratch more, which can cause an eczema flare-up.
23. Breathing Dry Air: Indoor-heated air is often dry, and breathing it can dry out the skin and mucous membranes.
24. Using Chemical Heat Packs: These can cause skin irritation and dryness, leading to eczema.
25. Hard Water: Hard water has high mineral content that can dry out your skin, worsening eczema.
26. Weather Changes: Rapid shifts between cold outdoor air and heated interiors can trigger eczema.
27. Lack of Omega-3s: A diet low in Omega-3 fatty acids, common in winter, can worsen eczema symptoms.
28. Artificial Fabrics: Synthetic winter clothing can irritate the skin, causing eczema.
29. Overuse of Humidifiers: While they add moisture to the air, overuse can promote mold growth, an eczema trigger.
30. Seasonal Allergies: Some people have winter allergies which can also lead to eczema flare-ups.

Symptoms

Reasons why eczema worsens during winter.

1. Low Humidity: Winter air is drier, lacking moisture. This dryness can cause your skin to lose hydration, leading to increased eczema symptoms.
2. Cold Weather: Cold temperatures can cause the skin to dry out and become more susceptible to eczema flares.
3. Indoor Heating: Using indoor heaters can further deplete the air of moisture, causing your skin to dry out and exacerbating eczema.
4. Hot Showers/Baths: While they feel good in cold weather, hot showers or baths can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and eczema flare-ups.
5. Inadequate Moisturization: Not applying enough moisturizer or using the wrong type can result in dry skin, a common trigger for eczema.
6. Wool Clothing: Wool can be irritating to the skin and trigger eczema. Opt for softer, breathable fabrics instead.
7. Lack of Sunlight: Sunlight can help improve eczema symptoms. Reduced sunlight in winter may lead to increased flare-ups.
8. Dehydration: Drinking less water in the colder months can lead to dehydration, which can worsen eczema symptoms.
9. Increased Stress: The holiday season, associated with winter, can be stressful, potentially exacerbating eczema.
10. Food Allergies: Winter holiday foods may contain allergens that can trigger eczema.
11. Skin Irritants: Perfumed lotions, soaps, and detergents can irritate the skin, causing eczema flare-ups.
12. Dust Mites: Spending more time indoors can increase exposure to dust mites, a common eczema trigger.
13. Allergens: Indoor allergens like pet dander and mold can increase during winter, leading to exacerbated eczema.
14. Viral Infections: Winter is flu season, and infections can trigger eczema.
15. Smoking: If you’re smoking indoors more often due to cold weather, the smoke can trigger eczema.
16. Alcohol: Consumption often increases in the holiday season, which can dehydrate the skin and exacerbate eczema.
17. Reduced Exercise: Physical activity helps reduce inflammation, but less movement in winter can worsen eczema.
18. Poor Sleep: The stress and excitement of the holidays can disrupt sleep, which can negatively impact eczema.
19. Certain Medications: Some medications dry out your skin, aggravating eczema.
20. Unhealthy Diet: Consuming too much sugar and fewer fresh fruits/vegetables in winter can worsen eczema.
21. Dry Hands: Frequent hand washing to prevent winter illnesses can dry out the skin, causing eczema on the hands.
22. Scratching: Itchy winter clothing can make you scratch more, which can cause an eczema flare-up.
23. Breathing Dry Air: Indoor-heated air is often dry, and breathing it can dry out the skin and mucous membranes.
24. Using Chemical Heat Packs: These can cause skin irritation and dryness, leading to eczema.
25. Hard Water: Hard water has high mineral content that can dry out your skin, worsening eczema.
26. Weather Changes: Rapid shifts between cold outdoor air and heated interiors can trigger eczema.
27. Lack of Omega-3s: A diet low in Omega-3 fatty acids, common in winter, can worsen eczema symptoms.
28. Artificial Fabrics: Synthetic winter clothing can irritate the skin, causing eczema.
29. Overuse of Humidifiers: While they add moisture to the air, overuse can promote mold growth, an eczema trigger.
30. Seasonal Allergies: Some people have winter allergies which can also lead to eczema flare-ups.

Diagnosis

Diagnoses and tests for winter eczema, are explained

1. Medical History Review: A doctor will first examine your medical history. They’re looking for any instances of eczema or similar skin issues in the past.
2. Physical Examination: Here, the doctor looks at the affected areas to identify common signs of eczema such as red, itchy, and scaly skin.
3. Allergy Testing: Eczema can be linked to allergies. Doctors may perform allergy tests, such as a blood test or skin prick test, to identify any allergens that could be causing eczema.
4. Patch Testing: A small patch containing potential allergens is applied on your skin to check if any reaction occurs, indicating an allergy.
5. Skin Scraping Test: Doctors might scrape off a small skin sample to examine under a microscope. This helps to rule out other conditions like fungal infections.
6. Eczema Severity Score: This involves measuring the severity of your symptoms using a scoring system. The higher the score, the more severe the eczema.
7. Biopsy: In rare cases, a small skin sample may be surgically removed to check for other skin diseases.
8. IgE Test: This blood test checks the level of Immunoglobulin E, a type of antibody that increases in response to allergies.
9. Complete Blood Count (CBC): A CBC can help identify any underlying conditions that may be contributing to eczema.
10. Infection Testing: If your eczema patches look infected, swabs may be taken for bacterial or viral testing.
11. Atopy Patch Test: This test detects delayed allergic reactions to common triggers such as dust mites or certain foods.
12. Dermatoscopy: This involves using a dermatoscope (a special magnifying tool) to examine the skin in detail.
13. Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL) Test: This measures the amount of water your skin loses, as eczema can cause increased TEWL.
14. pH Test: This tests the pH level of your skin; those with eczema often have a higher skin pH.
15. Prick-to-Prick Test: This involves introducing small amounts of suspected allergens into your skin using a tiny needle to see if a reaction occurs.
16. Radioallergosorbent Test (RAST): This blood test checks for specific allergen-sensitive antibodies.
17. Intradermal Test: This involves injecting a small amount of allergen under the skin to check for a reaction.
18. Provocation Test: Here, a suspected allergen is applied to the skin or inhaled to observe any allergic reactions.
19. ELISA Test: This blood test checks for specific antibodies associated with allergies.
20. Tryptase Test: High levels of tryptase in the blood can indicate a severe allergic reaction which could trigger eczema.
21. Lactose Tolerance Test: Eczema can be triggered by food intolerances; this test checks if lactose is one of them.
22. Gluten Intolerance Test: Like lactose, gluten intolerance can trigger eczema in some people.
23. Flow Cytometry: This advanced test measures the number and type of cells in a blood sample, which can give clues about your immune system’s role in eczema.
24. Thyroid Function Test: Thyroid problems can exacerbate eczema; this test checks the thyroid’s functioning.
25. Skin Hydration Measurement: Eczema dries out the skin. This test measures your skin’s hydration level.
26. Wound Healing Assessment: Chronic eczema can cause skin wounds. Doctors might assess how well these wounds are healing.
27. Goeckerman Regimen: This involves applying coal tar on your skin followed by exposure to UV light. It’s both a treatment and a diagnostic test for eczema.
28. Environmental Trigger Assessment: A doctor may examine your environment (like your home or workplace) to identify potential eczema triggers.
29. Food Diary: You may be asked to keep a diary of foods you eat to identify any potential food triggers for your eczema.
30. Methacholine Challenge Test: Though more common in diagnosing asthma, this test can help determine if your eczema symptoms worsen with exposure to methacholine, a substance that can cause allergic reactions.

Treatment

You’re not alone in this struggle! In this article, we’ll outline 30 of the best treatments for winter eczema. These are simple, easy-to-follow suggestions, each explained in plain English for your understanding.

1. Moisturize Regularly: The most straightforward method to combat winter eczema is keeping your skin moisturized. Use a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizer immediately after bathing to lock in moisture.

2. Use a Humidifier: Humidifiers add moisture to the air, helping your skin stay hydrated. They’re great for winter months when indoor air tends to be dry.

3. Bathe in Warm Water: Avoid hot showers as they strip your skin of its natural oils. Instead, bathe in warm water to avoid triggering an eczema flare-up.

4. Oatmeal Baths: Soothing and moisturizing, oatmeal baths can help alleviate eczema symptoms. It’s as simple as adding colloidal oatmeal to a warm bath.

5. Apply Petroleum Jelly: An age-old remedy, petroleum jelly forms a protective layer on your skin, preventing it from losing moisture.

6. Use a Gentle Cleanser: Soap can be harsh on eczema-prone skin. Switch to a gentle, non-soap cleanser to avoid irritation.

7. Coconut Oil: Its anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce eczema flare-ups. Apply virgin coconut oil to the affected areas after bathing.

8. Cotton Clothing: Wear cotton and other soft fabrics that let your skin breathe. Avoid synthetic fabrics and wool, which can be irritating.

9. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water will help your skin stay hydrated from the inside out.

10. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and walnuts, have anti-inflammatory properties and can help manage eczema symptoms.

11. Vitamin D Supplements: Some studies suggest that Vitamin D can help reduce eczema symptoms, especially during the winter when sunlight is scarce.

12. Aloe Vera Gel: Known for its soothing properties, apply aloe vera gel to irritated skin for quick relief.

13. Regular Exercise: Regular physical activity can boost your immune system and help reduce inflammation.

14. Avoid Stress: Stress can trigger eczema flare-ups. Practice mindfulness, yoga, or other stress-reducing activities.

15. Bleach Baths: Recommended by some dermatologists, a small amount of bleach in bathwater can kill bacteria on the skin, reducing eczema symptoms.

16. Over-the-Counter Medication: Non-prescription hydrocortisone creams can provide relief from minor itching and inflammation.

17. Prescription Medication: For severe cases, your doctor may prescribe topical steroids or other medications to control your eczema.

18. Wet Wraps: Applying a wet bandage over your eczema cream can help the skin absorb the medication better.

19. Phototherapy: This involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet light under medical supervision. It can help reduce eczema symptoms but should be used as a last resort.

20. Acupuncture: Some people find relief from eczema symptoms through acupuncture, an ancient Chinese medical practice.

21. Probiotics: These beneficial bacteria can boost your gut health, potentially improving your eczema.

22. Evening Primrose Oil: This oil has anti-inflammatory properties and can be applied topically to soothe eczema.

23. Avoid Allergens: Certain foods, dust, pollen, and pet dander can trigger eczema. Identify and avoid your triggers.

24. Green Tea: The antioxidants in green tea can help reduce inflammation and soothe irritated skin.

25. Honey: Its natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make honey a potential remedy for eczema.

26. Apple Cider Vinegar: Diluted apple cider vinegar can help balance the skin’s pH and protect against dryness.

27. Essential Oils: Some essential oils, like chamomile and tea tree, have been found to soothe eczema symptoms. Remember to dilute them before applying them to the skin.

28. Turmeric: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric can help reduce eczema flare-ups.

29. Eczema Gloves: Wearing cotton gloves can protect your hands from irritants and help lock in moisture.

30. Regular Check-ups: Regular dermatologist check-ups can help monitor your eczema and tweak your treatment plan as needed.

Medications

There are several effective drug treatments for winter eczema that can help. We’ll discuss these in plain English so everyone can understand.

1. Topical Steroids: These creams or ointments contain corticosteroids, which reduce inflammation. Mild ones are available over the counter, while stronger versions require a prescription. Topical steroids help to alleviate the redness and itchiness associated with winter eczema. However, they must be used as directed by a doctor because overuse can lead to skin thinning.
2. Emollients: Emollients are moisturizers that keep the skin hydrated. They form a protective layer over the skin to prevent water loss, reducing dryness and itchiness. Emollients can be used regularly and are even beneficial when you’re not experiencing an eczema flare-up to keep your skin supple and moisturized.
3. Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors (TCIs): These non-steroid creams or ointments suppress the immune response that causes eczema. Two examples are tacrolimus and pimecrolimus. TCIs can be used on sensitive areas like the face or groin where topical steroids might be too harsh. They are usually a second line of treatment if steroids are not effective.
4. Antihistamines: Antihistamines are typically used for allergies, but they can also help reduce itching in eczema. Some antihistamines may cause drowsiness, so they’re often recommended for nighttime use.
5. Systemic Medications: If topical treatments aren’t enough, your doctor might prescribe systemic medications. These drugs, such as methotrexate, azathioprine, and cyclosporine, are taken orally or injected and work throughout the body. They are generally reserved for severe cases as they can have more side effects.
6. Dupilumab (Dupixent): Dupilumab is an injectable biologic drug specifically approved for treating moderate to severe eczema in adults and children aged six and up. It works by calming the overactive immune response that leads to eczema symptoms.

Conclusion:

Eczema can be particularly bothersome in winter, but there’s no need to suffer in silence. Topical steroids, emollients, TCIs, antihistamines, systemic medications, and biologics like dupilumab are all effective treatments. Always consult with your doctor or a dermatologist to find the best treatment for your winter eczema. Remember, each person is unique, and what works best for you might differ from others.

Now that you’re equipped with this knowledge, you can step into the winter season with confidence, knowing that smoother, less itchy skin is possible, even during the chilliest months. Say goodbye to winter eczema woes and embrace the joy of the season!

References