Why Does Hand Eczema Get Worse in Cold Weather? Pictures of Winter Eczema and Prevention Tips

Change to a heavier moisturizer 

Use a heavier cream or petroleum-based ointment several times a day, especially right after you bathe. These thicker formulations are better at locking in moisture than thinner, water-based lotions. Make sure your moisturizer is fragrance-free and dye-free to reduce irritation. 

Use a humidifier 

In the winter, heated air is very dry. This can dry out your skin and worsen eczema. A humidifier in your house or bedroom will help put some moisture back in the air and keep your skin from drying out.

Protect your skin and layer natural fibers 

When you do go outside, cover up exposed skin. Wear natural fabrics like cotton or silk. And to help prevent overheating and sweating, dress in layers that you can remove. Wet clothes and sweat can be irritating for eczema, so remove damp clothes as soon as you can, then shower and moisturize if necessary.   

Avoid very hot water and harsh soaps 

Use comfortably warm water when you wash your hands, bathe, or shower. Water that’s too hot can dry out your skin and trigger eczema. It’s also important to avoid other irritants, like harsh detergents and soaps.

Avoid triggers

To help prevent eczema on the hands in the winter, you should also avoid known triggers. These vary from person to person, but some common ones include:

• Exposure to artificial fragrances

• Stress

• Certain fabrics and materials (like wool and latex)

• Metals like nickel (in people who are allergic to them)

• Extreme temperatures (hot and cold)

• Pet dander

Pay special attention to your hands 

To prevent winter hand eczema, keep handwashing to a minimum. That’s not to say you shouldn’t practice good hand hygiene, though. There are key moments that require you to wash your hands, such as: 

• Before, during, and after preparing, handling, or eating food

• After using the restroom for you or a child, or after handling diapers

• After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose

• After caring for or coming into contact with someone who is sick, vomiting, or having diarrhea

• Before and after any intimate or personal care 

• After handling animals, animal food, or animal waste

• When your hands are dirty

Use a soap-free and fragrance-free cleanser, like those from Cetaphil or Vanicream. Moisturize after washing your hands, and do so frequently throughout the day. Avoid hand sanitizers that contain methanol, which can irritate the skin, and apply a moisturizer after using the sanitizer. 

Finally, protect your hands with cotton gloves when going outside. 

Stay healthy 

Viral illnesses can make winter eczema worse, so it’s important to avoid them as much as possible. You can’t avoid all viruses, but you can take steps to lower your risk, like getting the flu vaccine and avoiding people who are sick.  

Check your vitamin D levels

People with eczema may be more likely to have low levels of vitamin D. Some studies suggest that vitamin D supplementation may help improve eczema. Talk with a healthcare professional before starting anything new because taking too many supplements can also have side effects. 

Have a treatment plan in place 

Visit your dermatologist or primary care provider before winter to get a plan in place for what to do if your symptoms start to trouble you. This way, if you do experience a flare you can treat it immediately before it gets worse.   

At-home eczema treatments

The first thing to do is reassess how you’re treating your skin. Going back to these winter skin care basics may be enough to manage the flare: 

• Moisturize more often: Keep a small tube with you and apply regularly, including overnight (apply moisturizer on your hands and then sleep with cotton gloves).

• Avoid lotions: Stick with thicker creams and ointment (like Aquaphor or Vaseline) for best moisturization. 

• Use skin-soothing ingredients: Look for ingredients that help restore and support your skin barrier (like ceramides and glycerin).

• Manage stress: Take 10 minutes a day to walk in nature or practice meditation. 

OTC eczema treatment

If you need a little extra help beyond good skin care, you can try over-the-counter (OTC) hydrocortisone. Use it a few times a day for up to 1 week. This can usually calm a winter eczema flare and break the itch-scratch cycle. But if that’s still not enough to manage your symptoms, it may be time to see your doctor or other healthcare professional about adding prescription creams to your treatment plan.

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