THE NATIONAL HEALTH COUNCIL
Winter Skin CareWhile it is not quite winter, the cold will be upon us soon. The low humidity common in...
While it is not quite winter, the cold will be upon us soon. The low humidity common in many parts of the United States during winter can cause dry, irritated skin. When skin becomes dry and irritated, eczema can flare. Here are some tips to help skin feel more comfortable during winter or anytime the air is dry:
1. Use a humidifier.
With the heat on and the windows closed, the air inside can become very dry in the winter, making the dryness and itching of eczema even worse. Use a humidifier to place moisture in the air. If you don't want to invest in an expensive humidifying system, smaller, relatively inexpensive humidifiers can be obtained at a local drug store. Placing two or three of these around your home will help to humidify the dry air. This can keep skin from drying and becoming cracked and itchy.
2. Switch to an oil-based moisturizer and moisturize frequently.
The more oil a moisturizer contains the more effectively it protects against moisture loss. Moisturizers that come in ointment form contain the most oil because an ointment, by definition, consists of 80% oil and 20% water. This water-in-oil emulsion forms a protective layer on the skin and makes it more "moisturizing" than creams and lotions. Ointments are especially beneficial when humidity is low. Ointments should not be used on areas of the body that tend to get hot and sweaty.
3. Before Going Outside in Winter:
• Apply a heavy layer of moisturizing broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher to the face, hands, and any other skin that may be exposed. This will act as a barrier to help protect against the harsh elements and is especially important if you will be outside for any length of time. Sunscreen is important in winter as the sun's reflective powers are great year round - 17% on the sand and 80% on the snow. Today, several products are available that combine oily, moisturizing cream with sunscreen. If you are unsure of which product to use, ask a dermatologist.
• Grab those gloves. Protecting hands from the cold air and low humidity plays an important role in preventing flare-ups. Make sure the gloves are made from material that does not irritate your skin. Some patients find that wearing a cotton mitten next to the skin and a woolen mitten over the cotton one, keeps hands warm and dry.
4. Dress in layers.
The most common triggers of the scratch/itch cycle are sweating and overheating. Wearing layers allows you to remove clothing as needed to prevent overheating. Be sure to wear loose-fitting cotton fabrics next to your skin.
5. Shed wet clothes and shoes immediately.
These can irritate the skin and cause a flare-up.
For more information on eczema, please visit The National Eczema Association website.View Thread
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1 ReplyReport This| Share this:Winter Skin Care While it is not quite winter, the cold will be upon us soon. The low humidity common in...
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Reply: can I lose my nail from eczema?Hi Clara, Thank so much for your post. There has been a flurry of research on Vitamin...
Hi Clara,
Thank so much for your post. There has been a flurry of research on Vitamin D in the last few years. What dosage was recommended for your husband? Was there a noticeable difference in his eczema too?
While we know food sources are usually an excellent way to obtain vitamins, choices are limited for vitamin D. Rich sources are fatty fish, fish-liver oils, liver and egg yolks. Milk fortified with vitamin D is another option.
The current daily recommended dose of vitamin D for adults 50 and older is 400 to 600 international units (IU). But many researchers believe that a higher amount is warranted because of the many health benefits. The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends a daily intake of 800 to 1,000 IU per day for adults over age 50. The upper daily limit considered safe for use is 2,000 IU per day, but there's debate about this level. Very large doses of vitamin D taken over time can cause ill effects, including nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, weakness and weight loss.
JulieView Thread
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How to Do Wet WrapsWhen your skin is itchy, red and cracked and nothing seems to be relieving the eczema...
When your skin is itchy, red and cracked and nothing seems to be relieving the eczema symptoms, you may want to try wet wrap therapy. Wet wrap therapy is effective in calming and re-hydrating the skin. The Eczema Center at Rady's Childrens Hospital in San Diego has a great "how to" video about wet wraps.View Thread
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Reply: crane3511baHello crane3511ba, While I am not a medical professional and cannot comment on your...
Hello crane3511ba,
While I am not a medical professional and cannot comment on your medications, I do know that they all have their risks and side effects. A call to your doctor should clarify the side effects you might be experiencing with dry skin.
For your hands, I would suggest soaking them in warm water for 5 -10 minutes, then covering immediately with a good occlusive ointment, then putting on cotton gloves to sleep. This will help lock in the moisture.
JulieView Thread
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Reply: help 10 years of chronic painHi Hoodyall, I applaud you for writing and seeking help! It isn't easy to do. While...
Hi Hoodyall,
I applaud you for writing and seeking help! It isn't easy to do.
While I am not not an expert on fibromyalgia, I do know there are a great many people who have found tips and suggestions from other sufferers that they are willing to try. It can get overwhelming, but start with something easy and give it a go. Maybe sit quietly practicing guided meditation for 5 minutes - can't hurt!
It looks like the The National Fibromyalgia Association has a wealth of support and resources to help.
You deserve to feel the best you can be!
JulieView Thread
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Reply: medsHi Wiccacelt, Glad to hear the National Eczema Association has been some help to you...
Hi Wiccacelt,
Glad to hear the National Eczema Association has been some help to you and your friend! Thanks for sharing exactly what was prescribed for you. I hadn't hear of the medicated tape. Perhaps that will be something helpful to share with other eczema sufferers!
Let us know how we can continue serving you!
JulieView Thread
4 RepliesReport This| Share this:meds Hi Wiccacelt, Glad to hear the National Eczema Association has been some help to you...
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Reply: ezema problemHello PerryYo, Unfortunately, so far there is no "cure" for eczema. We do know that...
Hello PerryYo,
Unfortunately, so far there is no "cure" for eczema. We do know that sweat triggers the itching. It doesn't matter where the sweat actually is - the increase in body temperature simply starts the itch cycle. Using a cool towel on the back may help. We've had some patients tell us that applying a small amount of apple cider vinegar with a cotton ball helps relieve the itching.
What do you use to apply your medication? We've heard some patients wrap a cotton wash cloth on the end of the "sponges on a stick" to help them reach the spot(s). Are you able to keep the area well moisturized? Perhaps after your shower you can apply a good ointment, after the medication.
I hope this is helpful.View Thread
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Reply: Skin problemsHello LizDuran, I'm sorry to hear about your granddaughter. There is actually a lot...
Hello LizDuran,
I'm sorry to hear about your granddaughter. There is actually a lot you can do to help manage the eczema if indeed that is what her pediatrician has diagnosed.
A&D ointment has fragrance, I believe, which may be an irritant. Watch the Starting from Scratch: Easing Eczema & Soothing Sensitive Skin video for good bathing and moisturizing information. More information can be found on our website .
Keeping the little ones finger nails clipped and smooth is important as there is little to be done about the need to scratch the itch. Many find covering the hands with socks or cotton gloves helpful. Cool wraps on the areas also help to sooth the itch.
I could go on and on with tips and suggestions. Keep in touch with the National Eczema Association.
All the best,
JulieView Thread
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Reply: medsHi Wiccacelt79: I can see why you are not clear on the directions you were given from...
Hi Wiccacelt79:
I can see why you are not clear on the directions you were given from your dermatologist?!? If you have an open sore, you may wish to cover with a regular band-aid or perhaps a cotton bandage. Perhaps the gloves are so there is no contaimination when you apply the medicine?
Give us a call if you'd like to discuss at the National Eczema Association , but best to call your doctor back and get clear direction!
JulieView Thread
4 RepliesReport This| Share this:meds Hi Wiccacelt79: I can see why you are not clear on the directions you were given from...
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Tips for Dry Skin• Take at least one bath or shower per day. Use warm, not hot, water for at least 5 to...
• Take at least one bath or shower per day. Use warm, not hot, water for at least 5 to 10 minutes. Avoid scrubbing your skin with a washcloth.
• Use a gentle cleansing bar or wash, no soap.
• While your skin is still wet (within 3 minutes of taking a bath or shower), liberally apply a moisturizer. This will seal in the water and make the skin less dry and itchy.
• Be sure to apply any special skin medications to areas affected with eczema before moisturizing.
• Be sure to apply moisturizer on all areas of your skin whether it has or has not been treated with medication. Specific occlusives or moisturizers may be individually recommended for you. Moisturizers are available in many forms. Creams and ointments are more beneficial than lotions. View Thread
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