Dealing with Eczema in the Winter is a paid collaboration with Neutral 0%.
One of the things that we find so difficult when dealing with eczema is change. Just when you think you have it under control something changes and you have to start again with the management. We have found hormones a challenge this year for Maxi but we always find the change in the weather and seasons a real challenge.
Just as we have got the summer regime cracked the Autumn and Winter is upon us and we have to change things up as the colder air and central heating triggers Maxi’s eczema. Once you add in winter bugs we seem to be back to square one!
Over the years we have learned what works for us and sometimes, what used to work doesn’t and what didn’t work might! So it can be something of trial and error. I do find that his skin is much better if he keeps on top of it rather than reacting to the changes. One of the main issues is the way the skin reacts to the sudden changes of temperature from inside to outside and vice versa.
Dealing with Eczema in the Winter
Keep the air humid. Central heating seems to have a big impact on Maxi’s skin so he has a micro mist humidifier in his bedroom.
Maxi is a sporty child and plays football, which means that he can get pretty muddy and also very cold and even wind burnt. We try to prevent this as much as possible by ensuring he wears under layers. This reduces the amount of bare skin open to the elements. He also doesn’t use any harsh product to wash (we avoid all products containing SLS, SLA and parabens).
Layers on the bed are better than one thick duvet, as the layers can then be peeled off one by one. We also try to make sure that we have cotton sheets closest to the skin.
We try to avoid extremes in temperatures, so no red hot baths and showers or sitting in front of the fire or radiator. If you come to our home you will find quilts and blankets in every room as we would rather keep the air temperature lower and snuggle under a layer on the sofa than cause issues with the boy’s skin.
When it is freezing hats, scarves and gloves are needed but we avoid those made from wool, which can scratch and increase itching. The same with any raised seams and loose threads as they can rub against the skin. We encourage the boys to wear several layers of cotton clothing rather than one heavy layer of warm clothing so they can just remove a layer at a time to regulate their temperature. I always make sure that I wash and air winter clothing and blankets etc before the boys use them as they have been stored since last winter. We have been using Neutral 0% for nearly 7 months and swear by it. It is gentle on skin and fabric but tough on dirt. I have just washed all of the winter scarfs, gloves etc with it in preparation for the coming cold snap.
Even healthy skin needs more moisturiser in the winter, so we make sure that the boys consistently apply theirs (Sometimes this might be known as nagging in our house)! You may need a heavier moisturiser in the winter. Also, we pay extra attention to the areas exposed to the elements, so face, hands etc. We certainly do not stop the sunscreen just because it is winter.
Managing Winter Eczema Flare-ups
Even though we are careful, sometimes the eczema does flare up despite our best efforts, sometimes due to a change in the weather, overheating or even a change in diet. Then we resort to steroid based treatment. We currently have a fantastic practice nurse at the GP surgery, who specialises in eczema and she has been brilliant. She informed us that yes sometimes steroid creams can thin the skin but only when used excessively over years and it is better to use them as prescribed until the flare is gone than to apply too little and prolong the application.
We make sure we apply the steroid treatment and leave it a good 10 minutes before we apply any other product. We have also learned to use tight PJ’s too, this also prevents scratching. We use cotton bedding and wash with Neutral 0% too.
Do your children suffer and if so, what products do you use?
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