Recently I shared a post with you on Kyle’s eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis) flare-up. To be honest, he had it almost the entire summer break. Often it was very mild and not painful, but on a few occasions it was. It always seemed to get worse when we spent long periods of time up at the cottage and the area around his chin was the most painful (especially at night before bed). Those nights weren’t so fun. However, the topical medication we used did help alleviate the itching.
Luckily, Kyle’s eczema cleared up once school started. Of course, we know that it doesn’t mean that we’re in the clear. After all, atopic dermatitis (‘AD’) is a chronic condition with no cure.[1] Those who suffer from AD deal with it by treating recurrent flares.1 According to the Eczema Society of Canada Patient Insights Report, AD has caused adults to miss work or important life events and have led to children missing school and avoidance of social activities.1
While Kyle’s eczema has not been flaring up lately, we are watching him very closely as winter seems to be a trigger for some people with eczema.[2] During the cold winter months, there are a few things that may affect Kyle’s eczema. For example, the dry air combined with indoor heating could dry out his skin and cause flare-ups.3 Same goes with wearing too many layers of clothing.3 Eczema flares up because the skin can’t stay moist on its own.3 That is why it’s common for those who suffer from eczema to experience flare-ups during the winter season.[3]
For me, my first line of defense against eczema in the winter is to keep Kyle’s skin moisturized.[4] One of the frustrating parts of eczema is that flare-ups can still occur even when you are diligently taking care of your skin,[5] so it is also recommended that you determine the best treatment plan for you with the help of your doctor. Keep your home warm as well during the winter with heat pump installation.
Do you or your kids suffer from eczema? If so, do you find it gets worse in the winter?
Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Pfizer Canada. The views and opinions expressed in this blog, however, are purely my own.
[1] Eczema Society of Canada (2019). Atopic Dermatitis: Patient Insights Report. https://eczemahelp.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/ESC_Insights-Report_Nov-2017-1.pdf
[2] Eczema Society of Canada (2019). Trigger Chart. Available at : https://eczemahelp.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/ESC-Trigger-Chart-Feb-2019-EN.pdf
[3] Healthline (2019). 7 Treatments for Winter Eczema Flare-Ups. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/skin-disorders/winter-eczema-treatment#take-vitamin-d
[4] Eczema Society of Canada (2019). About Eczema. Available at: https://eczemahelp.ca/about-eczema/
[5] Canadian Dermatology Association (2019). Eczema. Available at: https://dermatology.ca/public-patients/skin/eczema/
My oldest daughter does but thankfully it doesnt get TOO bad anymore. It definitely does get worse in winter. its so hard to get her to stop scratching. its usually on her arms or back
This condition doess get worse in the winter great information
Eczema flare-up are happening in my home right now,seems soon as Fall arrives with the cold winds it sets right in !
Yes, I do find it tends to get worse in winter from drying conditions.
my son gets dry skin on certain spots of his body; definitely worse in the winter.
My daughter used to get eczema so badly, the weather here is so bad for contributing towards it!
This is a great post thank you for sharing
My son Also suffers from flare ups ( probably 3-4 years now ) hopefully thou we can get it under control
My youngest son has suffered with this for years. I agrree his is definitely worse in the winter when our house is drier.
My daughter suffered from it when she was younger its not completely gone but it is better.
My son never suffer with Eczema but my brother does and he gets it pretty bad.
We all get some eczema especially during winter months. We use a lot of moisturizer.
I noticed so much improvement in my sons skin when I switched to fragrance free laundry and skin products !!
I first got eczema and psoriasis egen I was 18 (20 years ago!) I am still suffering but not as bad as before. It really does take a toll on life at times especially during a bad flare up. Mine does tend to be worse in the winter. I try to get 20 minutes of sunshine to help the psoriasis and stay hydrated. I am hopeful for a cure one day. So sorry to see he was in pain 🙁
My daughter and I suffer from eczema as well. Using a moisturizer for sensitive skin is a must.
I suffer form eczema and mine also seems to flare up more in the winter
I get eczema once in a while in patches. Winter doesn’t make it worse. Use to be bad as a child.
what creams or tricks did you find helped? my little guy gets it on his cheeks in the winter and every time we are out someone makes a comment and it drives me crazy!!! ‘ oh look how red his little cheeks are!’… we use hypoallergenic baby soap and moisturizer and hydrocortizone when it gets bad but when it’s cold out there’s no getting rid of it fully.
Yes, my eczema does flare-up during the drier, colder winter months; especially on my hands. I use Cetaphll moisturizers and always wear warm,windproof, waterproof Goretex gloves when outdoors.
These are some good things to know!
My kids don’t have it, but my niece does and it does seems to become a bit worse in the winter.
My boys have eczema and they do tend to flare in wintertime. I moisturize their skin with CeraVe like crazy which does help a lot.
Thanks for sharing this information. Winter does seem to be worse for this.
Unfortunately a lot of my family suffer from eczema and it always get worse as soon as the weather gets colder and dryer!
It definitely does get worse when the colder weather hits!
My 6 year old has it and flare ups are the worst. The cold weather is awful for it!
My son is the only one in the family with eczema. The winter months are the worst for sure. But as he is getting older, he seems to have less flare-ups.
Fortunately my children have for the most part grown out of it but my baby has some flare ups
Concerned that our little ones might have eczema. we moisturize every night.
My oldest used to get bad eczema. Now it’s a lot more manageable. Being aware of the triggers is certainly helpful.