How to Deal with Eczema During the Winter Months

If you suffer from eczema the Allergy, Asthma & Sinus Center of NJ can help you gain better control of your condition. We are allergy and asthma specialists with two convenient offices in Hunterdon & Somerset County, NJ. During the winter months the cold, dry air can affect your eczema and make the symptoms worse. The dry air combined with the heat from indoor HVAC systems decreases the humidity in the air, which dries out your skin. You are also more likely in cold weather to wear multiple layers, take hot showers or baths, and use thicker & heavier bedding to warm yourself. Unfortunately, these things can cause flare-ups with your eczema and worsen the condition of your skin. Try the following tips to counter the cold, dry air of the winter months:

• Avoid taking hot showers or baths. Instead, use warm, tepid water.
• Use skin products that are especially moisturizing. Oatmeal and coconut oi are natural ways to moisturize your skin and protect it from the dry, cold air. When you are done bathing or showering, you do not rub your skin dry; pat your skin dry with a soft towel to avoid aggravating your eczema.
• Use a gentle soap to wash yourself. Eczema can make your skin very sensitive, you want to be careful with what you are putting on your skin. Avoid products with fragrances, dye or alcohol. Avoid the same types of products for your laundry detergent so that your clothes do not have the residue of harsh chemicals.
• Use a moisturizer in a cream or ointment form. Since your skin is extremely dry, you want to try and moisturize it at as much possible. It is recommended you moisturize your skin more than once a day. If you are having a particularly itchy or painful flare-up, you might be prescribed a cream or ointment that containing hydrocortisone or a similar topical steroid.
• Use a humidifier in your bedroom and other living spaces in your home. During the winter months the weather is typically cold, so you are most likely using the heating system in your home which removes the moisture from the air. A cool mist humidifier helps you increase the humidity in your home to normal levels to maintain healthier skin.
• Avoid wool, nylon and polyester in your clothing as they can irritate your skin. Instead choose breathable materials, such as cotton. You will want to choose cotton for your bedding too so that your skin can breathe at night.
• Drink plenty of water. Keeping yourself hydrated will help prevent your skin from becoming dry and cracked. Avoid the ingestion of sodas or fruit juices, which dehydrate your body. If you do not like the taste of water, consider putting in your favorite fruits and herbs, such as oranges, lemons or mint to flavor it.

Trust in the expertise of the Allergy, Asthma & Sinus Center of NJ of Hunterdon & Somerset county, NJ to help you learn to manage your eczema better and assist you in avoiding uncomfortable flares during the winter months.

If you are suffering from severe eczema, please trust in the asthma and allergy specialists in Hunterdon County, NJ, and nearby areas at Best Allergy Care! Our professionals are dedicated to providing only the best care to you and your family.

To schedule an appointment, please give us a call today at (908) 526-0200 or email us at info@bestallergycare.com.