Winter Woes: Eczema Tips for Cold Weather

 Author: Srijani Mitra

Date: September 1, 2025

As days grow shorter and the air seems more chilly, we look forward to hot cocoa and warm sweaters for our children. But for children having eczema, winter brings much more than just frost and fun. It can bring dry, irritated skin and flare ups. If your young one struggles with eczema, always remember you are not alone. With a few simple habits and the perfect skincare routine, your child can enjoy the winter with less itching and more smiles. Let’s navigate how to protect your child’s skin from the harsh effects of winter, while helping you feel confident in caring for eczema all throughout the winter season. 

Why Winter Makes Eczema Worse

Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition that causes dry, itchy, inflamed skin. It can affect children of all ages and often gets worse during the colder months. But why?

In winter, the air outside is cold. Inside, heaters pump out warm air that’s also dry. This reduction in moisture in the air causes the skin to lose water more easily, making it even drier than usual. For children with eczema, who already have sensitive skin that struggles to retain moisture, this weather results in itchy patches, red rashes, and sometimes even cracked skin.

Also winter clothing like woollen sweaters can irritate the skin, while long, hot baths  which often  feel much more comforting in cold weather can actually strip the skin of its natural oils.

Hydration is the Quintessential of Winter Skincare

The most important thing you can do to protect your child’s eczema-prone skin in winter is to keep it well-hydrated and properly moisturized. This means applying a thick, gentle moisturizer every single day, often more than once.

After your child takes a bath or shower, pat their skin dry without rubbing and apply moisturizer right away while the skin is still a little bit  damp. This helps seal in the moisture before it has a chance to escape. Look for moisturizers that are fragrance-free and labeled for sensitive skin or eczema. Creams and ointments tend to work better in winter than lotions, which can be too light to use.

Keep a small travel-sized tube of moisturizer in your bag. You can reapply moisturizer on your child's skin whenever you need to , that way. This helps in keeping the skin moisturized even in the cold season. 

Bathe Smartly 

When it’s freezing outdoors, it’s quite tempting to warm up your child  with a long soak in a hot bath. But for little ones with eczema, prolonged   hot baths can do more harm than good. Water that's too warm can dry out the skin, and long baths can strip away the skin’s natural protective barrier. Instead, stick to short showers of lukewarm water that last for about ten minutes. While bathing, use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser and avoid the bubble bath.  If your child loves bubbles, look for eczema-safe alternatives, and always moisturize immediately after a shower.

Dress Appropriately for the Weather and the Skin!

In winter, bundling up is important but what your child wears can make a big difference to their skin. Certain fabrics like wool or polyester blends can irritate sensitive skin, especially when worn directly against the body. Always dress your child in soft, breathable fabrics like cotton as a base layer. You can always add warmer layers over that if required.

Avoid tight clothing that can rub against dry patches and make itching worse. Mittens or gloves can help protect little hands from the cold and from scratching, 

If you’re doing laundry more often in winter, be careful about what you’re using. Choose a gentle, fragrance-free detergent and avoid fabric softeners that can irritate eczema-prone skin.

Watch for Triggers

Cold weather isn't the only eczema trigger  during winter. Indoor heating can dry the air, and allergens like dust mites might become more concentrated in closed-up homes. If your child’s eczema flares up during the winter, take a closer look at the environment.

Using a humidifier in your child’s bedroom can add much-needed moisture back into the air. Just be sure to clean it regularly to avoid mold buildup. And of course, if your child has known allergies like to certain foods or animals, keep them away from those triggers.

Keep a Proper  Winter Skincare Routine

Just like brushing teeth or putting on pajamas, skincare can become part of your child’s daily routine. When eczema care is woven into everyday life, it becomes easier and less stressful for both of you.

Prepare a simple, consistent skincare schedule: moisturizing in the morning, after baths, and before bed. Involve your child in the process, let them choose their favorite soft towel or a fun moisturizer bottle. Giving your child some control helps them feel empowered  about their skin.

If you're seeing frequent flare-ups despite your best of efforts, don't hesitate to talk to your child’s dermatologist. They can suggest prescription creams or treatments tailored to your child’s needs.

Conclusion 

Winter can be a challenging season for children with eczema but it can also be a time of joy, comfort, and cozy family moments. With the right care and treatment , you can help your child stay comfortable and confident, even when the weather is less than kind.

Remember, eczema is nothing to be ashamed of. It’s common, manageable, and doesn’t define who your child is. By staying informed, prepared, and patient, you’re giving your child the best chance to thrive, not just in winter, but all year long.

So wrap up in your warm clothes, keep that moisturizer handy, and embrace the season together.