Managing Your Eczema in the Winter

Florida may not be known for blizzards and freezing temperatures, but it does usher in cooler temperatures and drier air that can make your eczema flare up.

Our goal at Z-Roc Dermatology is to keep your skin in the pink of health year-round. To that end, Drs. Khongruk Wongkittiroch and Matthew Zarraga and our team have pulled together a few tips for keeping your eczema at bay.

Turn down the heat

There may be nothing more soothing than a hot bath after coming in from the cold, but subjecting your skin to extreme temperature changes is enemy Number One for eczema. This sudden change in temperature not only sets off your eczema, it can also rob your skin of much-needed moisture.

Instead, keep the water in your baths and showers more temperate (lukewarm).

Keep temperatures even

While a hot bath is one example of a temperature change that doesn’t do your skin any favors, when you have eczema, it’s important to moderate the temperature at all times. For example, dressing and sleeping in layers can be very effective as you can easily regulate your skin’s temperatures at all times.

Humidity is key

When you have eczema, it’s important that you steer clear of dry air. While that’s fairly easy in Florida, which enjoys high humidity levels, winter does mean drier air. Not to mention, if you have to fire up the heat inside your house, this can dry out the air around you even more.

If you routinely use your heat, you should accompany it with a humidifier, which replenishes the moisture content in the air.

Moisturize and moisturize some more

Another way to keep your skin from drying out is to use a good moisturizer. You may look to heavier duty moisturizers in the winter that are more an ointment than a cream, such as petroleum jelly. Try to avoid moisturizers with perfumes or harsh ingredients and stick to ones that place the emphasis on moisturizing rather than smelling good. This same tip holds true for any soaps or cleansers you’re using on your skin.

Let your skin breathe

During the winter, avoid placing fabrics against your skin that don’t breathe. For example, replace dense wools and nylon with newer fabrics and breathable cotton that wick away sweat and moisture.

See us at the first signs of flare-up

If, despite your best efforts, your eczema flares up during the winter, we urge you to come see us right away so that we can quickly remedy the problem. Through specialized treatments, such as topical corticosteroids and light therapies, we can quiet your eczema and return your skin to good health.

To learn more about combating eczema during the winter, contact our office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to set up a consultation.