Why Eczema Flares in Winter, and a Simple Cold-Weather Skin Care Plan
Seasonal skin guide
Part of our Eczema guide
Eczema flares in winter because cold outdoor air and indoor heating lower humidity, which weakens the skin barrier and makes skin more reactive. Hot showers, wool, sweating under layers and frequent hand washing make it worse. A thicker moisturiser, short lukewarm showers followed by moisturiser, gloves outdoors, a humidifier and treating flares early keep most winter eczema under control.
- Low humidity and cold temperatures weaken the skin barrier and raise the risk of eczema flares.
- Indoor heating, hot showers, wool and hand washing are common winter triggers.
- Use thicker creams or ointments and "soak and seal" after bathing.
- Keep up any maintenance treatment your doctor recommends through winter.
- Bleeding, weeping or crusted cracks may be infected and need a doctor.
Why does eczema get worse in winter?
Cold air holds little moisture, and indoor heating dries it further. A review of weather and skin research concluded that low humidity and low temperatures weaken the skin barrier, make skin more reactive to irritants and allergens, and increase the risk of eczema flares (Engebretsen et al., 2016). Long hot showers, wool clothing, sweating under layers and frequent hand washing add to the problem.
| Winter trigger | What it does | Simple fix |
|---|---|---|
| Cold, dry outdoor air and wind | Pulls water from the skin and chaps exposed areas | Cover hands and face; apply a barrier cream before going out |
| Indoor heating | Lowers indoor humidity | Use a humidifier and keep rooms cool rather than hot |
| Hot showers and baths | Strip natural oils | Short, lukewarm showers; moisturise within 3 minutes |
| Wool and synthetic layers | Rub and overheat the skin | Cotton next to the skin, layers on top |
| Frequent hand washing and sanitiser | Dries and cracks the hands | Moisturise after every wash; see hand eczema |
| Sweating under heavy clothes | Irritates skin folds | Remove layers indoors; dress in breathable fabrics |
What is the best winter eczema routine?
- Switch to a thicker moisturiser: creams and ointments hold water better than lotions in winter. Regular moisturising reduces flares (van Zuuren et al., 2017).
- "Soak and seal": a short lukewarm bath or shower, pat dry, then moisturise straight away.
- Moisturise hands after every wash and keep a small tube in your bag.
- Wear gloves outdoors, with cotton liners if wool irritates.
- Keep the bedroom cool and humid enough to avoid night-time itch; see why skin itches at night.
- Keep up your treatment plan: if your doctor has suggested twice-weekly maintenance treatment on flare-prone areas, winter is when it matters most (Chu et al., 2024).
- Treat flares early, before scratching damages the skin.
A winter itch rescue cream. QICAOGANGMU combines cooling menthol and borneol with Ku Shen and She Chuang Zi in a moisturising petrolatum base, tested steroid-free by TÜV SÜD PSB. Rated 4.5 to 4.7 out of 5 on Amazon. See the formula
How do you protect children's eczema in winter?
- Bath for 5 to 10 minutes in lukewarm water, then moisturise all over.
- Apply a barrier cream to cheeks and hands before going outside.
- Dress in soft cotton layers and avoid overheating at night.
- Keep fingernails short to limit scratch damage.
See children's eczema care for more. For older adults with dry, itchy winter skin rather than eczema, read winter itch in older adults.
How does TCM explain winter eczema flares?
Traditional Chinese Medicine links winter skin problems with Dryness and Wind-Cold, which deplete the body's fluids and leave the skin rough, cracked and itchy, especially in people with underlying Blood Dryness. Winter care focuses on moistening and nourishing the skin, avoiding overheating, and using external herbs that calm itch without drying the skin further. Read how TCM explains eczema.
When should you see a doctor?
- Cracks that bleed, weep or crust (possible infection).
- Eczema keeping you awake most nights.
- Flares that do not settle within 1 to 2 weeks of good care.
- Sudden painful blisters or punched-out sores, which need urgent care.
Where QICAOGANGMU fits
QICAOGANGMU Steroid-Free Herbal Cream
4.7/5 (243 ratings) and 4.5/5 (685 ratings) on Amazon. Read reviews
In winter, QICAOGANGMU works as a rescue cream for itchy, dry eczema patches. Cooling menthol 0.5% and Bing Pian (borneol) 2% ease itch, while She Chuang Zi 3%, Ku Shen 1.5% and Bai Bu 0.5% sit in a moisturising glycerin and petrolatum base. Apply a thin layer after your moisturiser.
- Steroid-free: TÜV SÜD PSB found none of 8 corticosteroids (lab reports)
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Patch test first and apply to intact skin only; avoid the eyes, lips and broken or cracked skin. Not for children under 2. QICAOGANGMU at a glance · Product details
Free guide: The 7-Day Itch Relief Plan
One simple step a day to calm itchy skin and sleep better, from our herbal science researcher. Get the 10-page PDF:
- Daily checklists and an itch diary
- Dermatology and TCM tips side by side
- A bedtime routine for night-time itch
Thank you! Download the 7-Day Itch Relief Plan (PDF). Look out for our welcome email too.
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Frequently asked questions
Why is my eczema worse in winter?
Cold air and indoor heating lower humidity, which dries out and weakens the skin barrier. Hot showers, wool and frequent hand washing add to the irritation.
What is the best moisturiser for winter eczema?
A thick, fragrance-free cream or ointment, applied within 3 minutes of bathing and several times a day. Ointments seal in water best, creams are less greasy for daytime.
Does a humidifier help eczema?
It can help by reducing how dry indoor air gets in winter. Keep it clean to avoid mould.
Should I shower less with eczema in winter?
Shower daily if you like, but keep it short and lukewarm, use a gentle cleanser only where needed, and moisturise straight afterwards.
How can I protect my hands from winter eczema?
Wear gloves outdoors, use a gentle hand wash, moisturise after every wash and at bedtime, and consider cotton gloves overnight over a thick cream.
Related articles
References
- Engebretsen KA, Johansen JD, Kezic S, Linneberg A, Thyssen JP. The effect of environmental humidity and temperature on skin barrier function and dermatitis. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2016;30(2):223-249. PMID 26449379
- van Zuuren EJ, Fedorowicz Z, Christensen R, Lavrijsen A, Arents BWM. Emollients and moisturisers for eczema. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017;2(2):CD012119. PMID 28166390
- Chu DK, Schneider L, Asiniwasis RN, et al. Atopic dermatitis (eczema) guidelines: 2023 AAAAI/ACAAI Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters GRADE- and Institute of Medicine-based recommendations. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2024;132(3):274-312. PMID 38108679
Educational information only. This article does not replace medical advice. Infected, weeping or rapidly worsening eczema needs a doctor.
