It is super common for eczema to flare up in the winter! The air is more dry and our skin is more sensitive/itchy.
Eczema is an itchy rash on the skin characterized by red and scaly patches. Some common signs/symptoms of eczema include: severe itching, small raised bumps, thick/cracked skin, raw/sensitive skin.
It is most commonly diagnosed in kids, about 1 in 10 children will be diagnosed with eczema in the first 5 years of their life. It is possible for them to outgrow it though!
The reason eczema flares up in the winter is because:
- Dry air combined with indoor heating systems
- Wearing too many layers
- Taking hot baths
- Too many bed coverings
All of which you’re more likely to deal with during the cold winter months!
In order to manage eczema when it’s cold, we want to keep the skin hydrated and avoid overheating! Some ideas for that include:
- Not taking super hot baths and remembering to pat the skin dry as opposed to rubbing with a towel. A Kyte Baby hooded towel is great for your little one’s skin!
- Try a really thick moisturizing lotion to create a barrier on your skin for keeping moisture in. If lotions are not effective, an alternative would be petroleum jelly like aquaphor. The key is applying multiple times a day!
- Add a humidifier to the bedroom to keep the air from drying out.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Make sure you’re using a gentle soap when bathing! Look for soaps that are moisturizing and free of fragrances and dyes.
Some other key tips for managing eczema include:
- Using fabrics that aren’t irritating to the skin like bamboo
- Try a vitamin D supplement (this study found a reduction in winter eczema when using a vitamin D supplement)
- Kyte Baby mittens to deter them from scratching at the rash
It is so hard to manage eczema during extreme temperature changes, but remember to keep them comfortable (layering appropriately for the weather and inside the home), keeping their skin moisturized, and dressing in soft/natural fabrics can keep the itching at bay!
Author Bio: Ashley Olson is a certified pediatric sleep consultant, owner of Heaven Sent Sleep, and passionate about helping new parents, experienced parents, desperate and sleep-deprived parents form healthy sleep habits for their children.
She has over 3 years of experience in working with families and has completed over 150 hours of coursework plus continuing education related to infant and toddler sleep. The focus of her work is on fostering a routine that grows your bond with your child while improving their sleep habits. She specializes in custom sleep plans and one on one support in changing sleep practices!
