Winter can be tough on the skin, with many people experiencing dry skin and itching. Low humidity levels and dry air are the major reasons why some people get eczema flare-ups. However, one can manage these flare-ups with specific lifestyle changes and proper precautions. Scroll down to know how to tackle and treat eczema to enjoy healthy skin throughout the cold season.
Eczema Causes and Treatment
Causes of Enzema
If you are wondering what causes eczema in the first place, there is no particular factor that engenders the condition. Experts say that it is caused by a combination of genetics, skin conditions, environmental triggers, an overactive immune system, allergens, certain irritants, and stress.
Treatment of Enzema
Thinking about how to treat eczema? Well, there is no specific cure for the condition. Also, the cure is not permanent. This means that if you have eczema and your condition subsides, it can reappear at any point in the future. Fortunately, certain changes in lifestyle and preventive measures can help you manage the condition.
1. Use a Humidifier in the Bedroom
During winters, both outdoor and indoor air becomes excessively dry. This extreme dryness can lead to skin irritation, itching, or inflammation. To counteract the effect of dry air, it’s wise to install a humidifier inside your bedroom. Mayo Clinic recommends keeping humidity levels between 30-and 50% inside the house to beat the skin conditions caused due to colder and drier air.
2. Stay Hydrated
Keeping your body well hydrated in winter will keep your skin’s hydration levels intact. Drinking sufficient glasses of fluids every day will moisturize your skin from within. Try to drink 6-8 glasses of water each day. You can also resort to other healthy beverages like lemon water, coconut water, fruit smoothies, green tea, etc., for subtle hydration.
3. Moisturise Frequently
Moisturizing your skin frequently during the cold weather season is extremely important in managing eczema. Invest in rich and heavy moisturizers like cocoa or shea butter to expel dryness during winters. Aloe vera gel and petroleum jelly are other hydrating options to rely on. Apply the moisturizer several times a day, especially after a shower or swimming.
4. Make the Most of Vitamin D Supplements
During winters, sun rays are minimal, so the skin is not well exposed to sunlight. Hence, it becomes crucial to count on vitamin D supplements to allow the skin to heal or repair itself. A review of scientific studies claims that supplements in the form of vitamin D can improve the symptoms of eczema. Apart from supplements, you can count on vitamin D-rich foods, such as fortified foods and drinks, egg yolks, cow’s milk, mushrooms, and cod liver oil.
Tip:If you relax under the sun during winters, make sure to wear sunscreen. Also, limit the time you expose your skin to the sun. To avoid sunburn, don’t hit outdoors between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, as the sun rays are quite intense during this period.
5. Wear Non-Irritating Fabrics
If you have eczema flare-ups, wearing irritating and rough fabrics can aggravate your condition. During winter, when layering becomes necessary, count on soft fabrics like cotton or silk. If you choose to wear woolen jackets or sweaters, make sure you wear a cotton layer underneath to prevent direct contact with your skin.
6. Try Home Remedies
Certain home remedies can help you ease the symptoms of eczema. Here are a few at-home solutions you can opt for
- Bath with Colloidal Oatmeal – Adding some ground oatmeal to a bath will help relieve dryness in winters
- Coconut oil Massage – Massaging your skin with coconut oil will add moisture and prevent dryness or itching.
- Aloe Vera Gel Massage – Massaging with fresh aloe gel can soothe inflamed skin.
- Wet Wraps – This therapy rehydrates and soothes the skin.
7. Seek Medical Treatment
Sometimes managing eczema during winters becomes difficult. If you fail to manage your condition or your condition doesn’t improve after making lifestyle shifts, contact a dermatologist. Depending on the severity of your condition, the doctor will prescribe a combination of ointments, prescription medications, and therapies to treat eczema.
Generally, a dermatologist will recommend the following treatments for eczema:
- OTC or prescription antihistamines
- Topical medicated ointments including hyaluronic acid, coal tar, and ceramides
- Hydrocortisone steroid creams
- Prescription or OTC non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Conclusion
Eczema can be annoying, and managing it may be tricky, especially during winters. Although there is no known cure for eczema, certain lifestyle changes like adding moisture to both skin and air, staying hydrated, layering, and consuming vitamin D supplements can help improve the condition. To ease the symptoms of eczema, you can also count on certain home remedies.
We advise you to visit Skin and Hair Academy to learn more about your condition. A board-certified and experienced dermatologist can help you understand how to manage eczema effectively during the cold weather season.
