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But for many, theres also a downside to cooler days: winter eczema.
Grace Cary
But you dont need to just suffer through the colder seasons if you have winter eczema.
What is eczema?|What causes winter eczema symptoms?|How do you prevent and treat winter eczema?
Eczema is a skin condition that causes dry and itchy skin.
Eczema isnt inherently harmful to your skin, but the way it manifests can be painful and uncomfortable.
Its a chronic condition, meaning that its long-lasting, and many people experience periodic flares where symptoms worsen.
Including, for many, wintertime.
What causes winter eczema symptoms?
But why exactly does eczema act up in the winter?
There are many differenttypes of eczema, and a dermatologist can diagnose which specific pop in you are experiencing.
Atopic dermatitis can also present as small bumps filled with fluid that break when scratchedleading to painful infections.
(Asteatotic eczema is also known as eczema craquele).
Atopic eczema can flare up year-round, so winter can be a tough time for it.
How do you prevent and treat winter eczema?
Here are some tips from the experts.
Using a humidifieris one of the best ways to treat winter eczema.
One drawback here is that using a humidifier can spread bacteria through the air if it isnt kept clean.
Pretty much everybody enjoys along, relaxing shower.
Instead, she recommends people with eczema shower for fewer than five minutes and use lukewarm water.
For instance, if youre looking for quick eczema relief, Dr. Jaliman recommendsmoisturizers that include ceramides.
Ceramides are lipids that are naturally found in the skinbut less so in people with eczema.
Using a product with ceramides adds a lipid barrier that prevents water loss, Dr. Jaliman says.
We have a bunch of product recommendations you could check outhere.
Dermatologists we spoke with agreed that moisturizing with a thick cream twice a day should help.
Ointments generally stay on the skin longer than creams and gels.
Also, it is fragrance-free, which is safe for even the most sensitive skin, she says.
If your eczema is flaring, irritating fabrics are not a helpful addition to the mix.
Check the labels of your favorite knits and look for fabrics like cotton, silk, and cashmere.
Wool and mohair may keep you warm, but these can also cause skin to become irritated.
We recommendGryphons Comfort Washed Sheet SetorBrooklinens Luxe Core Sheet Set.
Remember that just because youre not experiencing an eczema flare doesnt mean youre in the clear.
You should stillbe cautious about the ingredients in the products you use.
(But this can differ from person to person!)
Gentle exfoliationcan help dry skin by allowing moisturizer to penetrate more easily, Dr. Hu says.
But anything beyond gentle exfoliation isnt a good idea for someone with eczema or eczema-prone skin.
Our experts recommend gentle exfoliation using a soft washcloth, honey-based sugar scrub, or aForeofacial brush.
Products formulated with natural oils like argan or sunflower containfatty acids that keep skin hydrated.
Dr. Talakoub prefers oil-based cleansers for all skin types, including eczema-prone ones.
They remove dirt and makeup without stripping the natural oils and skin barrier of the skin, she says.
Dr. Talakoub likesBioderma Atoderm Cleansing Oil, which is a gentle cleansing oil for the face and body.
We also recommendAvene XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil, which is formulated for people with eczema.
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