If you’ve found yourself scratching more than usual this winter, you’re not alone. As the mercury drops, eczema is flaring up for about a third of Australians who live with this frustrating skin condition.
For many, the combination of cold air, indoor heating, and those beloved woolly jumpers is a recipe for red, itchy, and inflamed skin.
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin disease that causes dryness, itching, redness, and sometimes even oozing or crusting.
Eczema is widespread in children—affecting one in five—but about one in ten adults also deal with it. While it often starts in childhood, eczema can persist or even begin later in life.
So, what is it about winter that makes eczema so much worse? According to dermatologist Dr Deshan Sebaratnam, it’s all about the environment.
‘When it is cold, there’s often less humidity in the air, so your skin loses water to the air easily,’ he explained.
‘There’s also less sunlight, and sunlight dampens down the activity of the immune system in the skin. And because it’s cold, people aren’t using their creams and moisturisers as much as they should.’
Add to that the drying effects of indoor heaters, long hot showers (which feel so good but strip your skin of natural oils), and the irritation from woollen clothing, and you’ve got a perfect storm for eczema flare-ups.
Who’s most at risk?
While anyone can develop eczema, some people are more prone than others. Children are particularly susceptible because their immune systems are still developing.
Your risk is higher if you have a family history of eczema, hay fever, or food allergies. People from East or South Asian backgrounds are also more likely to experience eczema.
And while it’s rare, severe and uncontrolled eczema can lead to serious complications, including infections or, in extreme cases, the body diverting blood away from vital organs to the skin.
The good news is that there are plenty of ways to keep your skin happy and healthy, even when the weather isn’t cooperating.
- Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise: Thick, greasy moisturisers are your best friend. Look for products containing glycerine and ceramides, which help trap water in the skin. Dr Sebaratnam recommends affordable options like the QV ceramide range or QV Intensive. And don’t be fooled by fancy packaging—expensive doesn’t always mean better.
- Avoid irritants: Steer clear of products with fragrances, perfumes, or food-based ingredients. Even if you’ve used a product for years, you can suddenly develop an allergy to it—a phenomenon known as contact dermatitis, which can make eczema worse.
- Dress smart: While it’s tempting to rug in woolly jumpers, wool can irritate sensitive skin. Try layering with soft cotton underneath to create a barrier.
- Keep showers short and lukewarm: Hot water feels great, but dries out your skin. Stick to quick, warm showers and moisturise immediately afterwards.
- Use gentle cleansers: Harsh soaps can strip your skin of its natural oils. Opt for mild, fragrance-free cleansers instead.
If your eczema isn’t improving or affecting your sleep, confidence, or daily life, it’s time to see your GP or a dermatologist.
‘No one understands your skin like a dermatologist, and they can help you know with eczema,’ said Dr Sebaratnam.
Eczema can impact everything from children’s schooling to adults’ work performance, so don’t suffer in silence.
Busting common eczema myths
There is a lot of misinformation about eczema. Despite what you might hear, Dr Sebaratnam pointed out that food is rarely the culprit behind flare-ups.
And while some people worry about using steroid creams, they’re safe and effective when used as directed by your doctor.
‘Just keep care simple,’ he advised. ‘It doesn’t need to be complicated—a simple moisturiser or using medications when you need to, on and off.’
Have you found any tricks that help soothe your skin during the colder months? Or do you have questions about managing eczema? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below.
Also read: Say goodbye to damp clothes: Winter drying tips that work
