Cold, dry air strips moisture from skin, leading to flares of eczema and painful chapping. A few tweaks to routine make a big difference.
Everyday winter routine
- Short, lukewarm showers (5–10 minutes). Avoid very hot water.
- Gentle, fragrance-free cleansers; skip soap on already dry areas.
- Moisturize within 3 minutes after bathing (“seal in” water).
Best moisturizers for winter
- Choose thicker creams or ointments over lotions.
- Look for ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, shea butter; for very dry, add occlusives like petrolatum.
- For rough spots: urea 10–20% or lactic acid 10–12% a few times weekly (not on cracked skin).
Hands (frequent washing season)
- Use lukewarm water; pat dry.
- Apply a barrier cream or ointment after every wash and before going outdoors.
- For work/cleaning: wear cotton liners under nitrile gloves; change sweaty gloves promptly.
- Night repair: thick ointment + cotton gloves 30–60 minutes or overnight.
If cracked and inflamed
- Short course of a mild-to-medium topical steroid on red, itchy areas for 5–7 days; then resume maintenance moisturizing.
- Watch for infection signs: increasing pain, yellow crust, pus—seek care.
Lips
- Avoid licking; saliva worsens chapping.
- Use bland, fragrance-free balms with petrolatum, lanolin, shea, ceramides. Reapply often and before bed.
- For angular cracks at the corners (angular cheilitis): protect with petrolatum; if not improving, add antifungal cream and see clinician if persistent.
Face and body
- Switch to richer moisturizers; consider layering: humectant serum (glycerin/hyaluronic acid) under a cream, then a thin occlusive on hot spots.
- Use mineral sunscreen SPF 30+ on exposed skin—UV and wind still damage in winter, especially with snow glare.
Eczema-specific tips
- Stick to the soak-and-seal routine daily.
- Use prescribed anti-inflammatory creams early at the first sign of a flare.
- Consider a humidifier in bedroom (target indoor humidity ~40%–50%).
- Wear soft cotton layers next to skin; avoid scratchy wool. Wash new clothes before wearing; fragrance-free detergent.
Outdoor and sports
- Cover hands, face, and ears; use moisture-wicking base layers.
- For runners/cyclists: apply a thin petrolatum layer to wind-exposed areas to reduce chapping.
When to see a clinician
- Painful fissures that don’t heal, repeated infections, or uncontrolled eczema despite good care.
- Severe lip irritation not responding to bland balms—rule out contact allergy.
Winter checklist
- Lukewarm showers, gentle cleanser
- Moisturize immediately after bathing
- Barrier cream for hands after every wash
- Lip balm often; no licking
- Humidify your space; layer clothing smartly