Keep it simple with tips to manage your eczema during winter with Ruth Holroyd from WhatAllergy and SilverGuard
Winter = Bad news for Eczema
It is not uncommon to suffer from eczema flare ups during the winter and cooler weather because of the changing temperatures and dry air from indoor heating. Those with eczema can often find it exacerbated on parts of the skin that are exposed to the elements, such as your hands, face and neck.
Why does this happen? When your skin experiences big changes in temperature it starts to dry and feel itchy, and it is this cycle of moving from the cold air outside to the warm and dry air indoors which can make your skin dry and cracked.
Tips to Manage your Eczema in Winter
Have a read of some tips to try and minimise eczema outbreaks and soothe irritated skin during the winter:
- Moisturise your skin often: while this is obvious, moisturising is an important part of your skincare routine, and this is especially true during the colder winter months. Try and keep your skin dry as damp environments can make eczema worse
- Avoid irritants like perfumes and detergents: during winter with our skin becoming more sensitive skincare products that do not usually irritate your skin can start to cause problems. With this in mind, try to use more mild skincare products and avoid excessive washing of your hands, face or body as water can dry out skin by stripping away its natural oils
- Use a humidifier: When your skin cannot take in moisture from our environment, it can become drier and more cracked, so a humidifier can be great to try and replenish moisture in the air indoors when the heating is on. You may need to experiment to find the right humidity level to help soothe your skin. There are some types of eczema that flare with excess humidity
- Dress in layers: when you venture outdoors make sure you wear gloves, scarves and hats to stop your skin, particularly your hands and neck, from getting cold. This helps to protect sensitive areas from rapid temperature changes and allows you to respond to changing temperatures more easily. Layering your outerwear also lets you remove layers as you warm up to help prevent overheating. People with eczema can flare if they overheat, so breathable fabrics, like cotton, allow for better airflow to keep the skin cool
- Choose soft fabrics: don’t forget that when you bundle up for the cold weather try and choose natural fabrics which are kind on your skin. Harsh fabrics, including wool, are commonly used in winter clothes and they may irritate your skin further
Ten Simple Tips to Manage Eczema from Ruth @What Allergy?
Ruth Holroyd from WhatAllergy? knows that managing eczema may sometimes feel overwhelming, but she says that “Small steps can all add up to big improvements!”. So have a read of an amazing set of simple steps you can take to manage your eczema in Winter.
1. Don’t overheat your house – you can reduce the thermostat and put on extra soft layers instead, use blankets and throws. Keep your bedroom cool with good quality 100% cotton bedding (I use SilverGuard bedding). This reduces the drying out effect on skin and also the difference in temperature when you go outside into the colder air.
2. Mould and damp – if your house gets mould and has a lot of condensation this can seriously affect asthma, allergies and your skin due to air borne particles. Ventilate bathrooms after showers and baths, get a dehumidifier, open windows in your bedroom and living spaces even if just for ten minutes to half an hour, or even longer if you can.
3. Indoor air quality can get so bad in winter now our houses are so well insulated and sealed. Take shoes off at the door as a routine so you don’t tread in pollen, moulds, dust and pollution through your home and floor coverings.
4. Hanging laundry inside can also be problematic. Get a heated airer if you don’t have tumble drier, hang clothes over two rails to allow better drying and ventilation. On clear windy days in winter clothes, sheets and towels can dry outside if you have a washing line. Use a dehumidifier while drying clothes indoors.
5. Enjoy that cool air – get outside, and don’t be scared to expose your skin to cold air. It can feel glorious, especially if your skin is red, hot, flaring and sore. Being outside is so good for you, so don’t deprive yourself – it feels amazing and is so good for your mental health. Try to embrace each season, and while yes it may cause skin flares we can’t hide away and we can’t control everything. Put on a layer of thicker emollient before going out in winter and have a soft scarf or neck snood to protect against really cold winds. Always wear gloves and hat too.
6. Supplements – consider taking Vitamin D, especially during winter. Studies prove this can be very beneficial to skin. So if your skin is better in the summer and after sun exposure, this could really help.
7. Make healthy switches in your home – look into cleaning products, shampoos and laundry detergents. Avoiding highly fragranced and toxic cleaning products in your home can really help and there are so many environmentally friendly products available. Even buying second hand clothes and always washing them first can help.
8. Beware of Greenwashing – do your research well, not all products purporting to be safe for sensitive skin and better for the environment are really as good as they claim.
9. Cotton handkerchiefs – if you get watery eyes, these can be much better than paper tissues which can leave tiny particles behind.
10. Showering less – washing in hot water for long periods can dry skin out fast. Consider just washing intimate areas and reducing the number of showers and baths, it’s kinder to your skin’s natural microbiome.
For more information, please contact us at:
SilverGuard Ltd
t: 0207 538 2678
SilverGuard is a UK-based company which produces an antimicrobial textile range using Noble Biomaterials renowned IONIC+ antimicrobial silver thread technology. Our current consumer product range includes bed linens, towels, baby & children’s clothing, face coverings and more.
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