Winter Eczema Triggers You Might Not Expect

If your skin feels dry, itchy, or more irritated when the weather gets colder, you’re not alone. Many people experience eczema in winter, when cold air and indoor heating combine to trigger flare-ups. While it’s common to expect some seasonal irritation, there are often hidden factors that make winter eczema worse than you realize.

Understanding why eczema flares during colder months and how to prevent it can help you manage symptoms more effectively and feel more comfortable in your skin.

Does Eczema Get Worse in the Winter?

Yes, eczema often worsens during the winter. Cold air outside has very little humidity, which dries out the skin. At the same time, indoor heating removes even more moisture from the air. When the skin barrier dries out, it becomes weaker, more sensitive, and prone to itching, redness, and cracking.

For many, flare-ups peak in January and February, when both cold temperatures and indoor heating are at their harshest. Children and adults with chronic eczema frequently report their symptoms being worse in winter compared to summer.

Why Does Eczema Flare Up in Winter?

Cold weather brings a perfect storm of skin irritants, which is why eczema during winter is often more severe than in other seasons. While people usually expect drier skin in cold weather, there are multiple hidden triggers at play that make flare-ups worse and harder to control.

1. Cold, Dry Outdoor Air

Winter air has very little humidity, which means it naturally pulls moisture from your skin. When skin loses hydration, the protective barrier weakens. A compromised barrier is less able to retain natural oils and defend against irritants, leaving the skin itchy, red, and prone to micro-cracks that worsen eczema.

2. Indoor Heating Systems

Forced air heating, space heaters, and radiators may keep us warm, but they drastically reduce indoor humidity. Spending long hours in heated environments can dry out skin even faster than outdoor air. The constant shift between cold outdoor temperatures and heated indoor air stresses the skin barrier, often leading to chronic irritation.

3. Long, Hot Showers and Baths

Nothing feels better on a cold day than a steaming shower, but hot water is one of the fastest ways to strip away natural oils. Without these oils, your skin loses its ability to stay moisturized. For people with eczema, this means flare-ups that become more intense after bathing. Dermatologists recommend lukewarm water and shorter showers to minimize this effect.

4. Harsh Fabrics and Layering

Winter wardrobes often include wool sweaters, scarves, and thick layers. While warm, these fabrics can rub against the skin, creating friction and irritation. Wool, in particular, is a common eczema trigger. Synthetic fabrics may trap heat and sweat, which can worsen itching and lead to more scratching. Cotton or silk layers are typically gentler alternatives.

5. Frequent Handwashing and Sanitizers

Cold and flu season coincides with winter, which means more frequent handwashing and sanitizer use. While important for preventing illness, both practices remove natural oils and dry out the skin, leading to eczema on hands in winter. Cracked skin on knuckles and fingertips is one of the most common winter eczema complaints.

6. Seasonal Stress

The holiday season, busy schedules, and even disrupted sleep patterns can all increase stress. Stress is a well-documented trigger for eczema flare-ups, as it releases hormones that increase inflammation in the body. This means even if you’re moisturizing regularly, unmanaged stress can worsen your symptoms.

7. Reduced Sunlight Exposure

In the colder months, people spend less time outdoors and get less sun exposure. Lower vitamin D levels have been linked to skin barrier dysfunction and immune changes, which may play a role in worsening eczema symptoms during the winter.

8. Overuse of Harsh Skincare Products

Many people reach for thicker creams or stronger exfoliants in winter, hoping to combat dryness. Unfortunately, fragranced lotions, alcohol-based toners, and aggressive scrubs can strip and irritate sensitive skin, leading to even more flare-ups.

Winter Eczema on Hands: A Common Concern

One of the most frequent complaints is winter eczema on hands. Constant handwashing, exposure to cold air, and contact with rough fabrics or cleaning products strip the skin of moisture. The result is cracked, itchy, and sometimes painful patches on the hands and knuckles.

Wearing gloves outdoors, using fragrance-free hand soap, and applying a thick hand cream after washing can help reduce irritation. For many, keeping a travel-sized moisturizer on hand is an easy way to prevent flare-ups throughout the day.

Eczema in Winter vs. Summer

Many patients ask, is eczema worse in winter or summer? The answer often depends on the individual. Winter tends to cause flare-ups because of dryness and indoor heating, while summer heat, sweat, and sun exposure can also irritate sensitive skin.

In general, more people report eczema being worse in winter, but seasonal triggers can vary. Knowing which season is harder on your skin helps you plan ahead for prevention and treatment.

Winter Eczema Remedies and Prevention Tips

The best way to manage eczema during winter is to focus on restoring and protecting the skin barrier. Some of the most effective remedies include:

• Moisturize Frequently: Use a thick, fragrance-free cream or ointment instead of lotion, applying it after showers and throughout the day.
• Switch to Lukewarm Showers: Hot water strips oils, while lukewarm water is gentler on sensitive skin.
• Use Gentle Cleansers: Choose mild, fragrance-free soaps and body washes designed for sensitive skin.
• Run a Humidifier Indoors: Adding moisture back into dry air can ease irritation and prevent flare-ups.
• Wear Soft Fabrics: Opt for cotton or silk layers instead of wool or rough synthetic materials.
• Protect Your Hands: Wear gloves when outdoors and apply hand cream regularly.
• Avoid Scratching: Keep nails short and consider using cold compresses to relieve itching.

For some people, winter eczema treatment may also include prescription-strength creams, ointments, or light therapy from a dermatology provider.

When to See a Dermatology Provider

If your eczema flare-ups are severe, don’t improve with over-the-counter remedies, or interfere with your daily life, it’s important to seek care. Dermatology providers can diagnose your eczema triggers, prescribe stronger treatments, and recommend advanced therapies tailored to your needs.

Signs that you should see a provider include skin infections, eczema patches that spread quickly, or symptoms that don’t improve with routine moisturizers and lifestyle changes.

---

Schedule an Appointment with Schweiger Dermatology Group

If winter eczema is making your skin dry, itchy, or uncomfortable, Schweiger Dermatology Group can help. Our providers specialize in diagnosing and treating eczema, offering customized care plans that target seasonal triggers and strengthen the skin barrier. With professional support, you can find relief and prevent flare-ups from interfering with your daily life.

Schedule an appointment with Schweiger Dermatology Group today. Call 844-DERM-DOC or book online to connect with a dermatology provider today.