Eczema During Cooler Temperatures

Eczema is a challenging skin condition to deal with. Eczema can affect people of all ages throughout the entire year. While some people deal with outbreaks during the hot summer months, many others face a long winter season dealing with irritated skin during the cool months from November through March. Wind, dry air, and cold temperatures are known for drying out the skin, but there are also other “triggers” that can cause eczema to flare up. Understanding how your skin reacts to cooler temperatures and certain triggers can help you properly manage this difficult skin condition.

What Triggers Your Eczema Flare-Ups?

Eczema triggers vary greatly from person to person. The variance of triggers is often the most difficult part of finding a solution to this skin condition because there is no “one size fits all” approach to treatment. The following are the most common eczema triggers:

• Temperature Extremes: very hot or very cold temps; very high or low humidity
• Irritants: soaps, detergents, lotions, shampoos, chlorine in the water
• Foods: dairy products, nuts and seeds, eggs
• Allergens: dust, pollen, mold, and pet dander
• Hormonal Changes in Women: most often during pregnancy and menstruation
• Stress

While it is a hassle and will put something else on your never-ending To Do List, the best way to figure out what triggers your eczema is by keeping a skin journal. Every day, you need to jot down the things that you encounter: the day’s temperature and humidity level; what you ate; what type of shampoo, soap, and lotions you used; what animals you came into contact with; known allergens in the air; your stress level; and for women, where you are in your menstrual cycle or pregnancy.

By keeping a skin journal, not only will you be able to monitor your own triggers, but you will have a tangible record for your dermatologist. Treating eczema is challenging because no two cases are alike. With your help, finding a successful treatment plan can be much easier.

At Medical Dermatology Specialists in Atlanta, we can help you identify your eczema triggers and provide customized treatment to lessen the discomfort of your condition.

Medical Dermatology Specialists,
5730 Glenridge Dr, Suite T-100
Atlanta, GA 30328
(404) 939-9220

Monday – Thursday 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM