There’s plenty to love about winter, from cozy nights in, festive holiday traditions, and a welcome break from school or work. But while the season brings plenty of magic, it also brings cold, dry air that can be tough on delicate skin. Before those rosy cheeks turn into itchy, uncomfortable rashes, it helps to know what to look for and how to keep your child’s skin happy all winter long.
If you or your child are predisposed to dry skin (also known as xerosis or xeroderma) or eczema (atopic dermatitis), winter can be especially challenging. Dry, itchy skin can have many causes, including skin disorders such as eczema and environmental factors. Dehydration, harsh soaps or cleaners, and low humidity, among other factors, can lead to dry, scaly skin in winter.
What causes dry, scaly skin in winter?
The causes and presentation of winter skin rash vary from person to person, but there are some common triggers. In many parts of the world, including Utah, humidity decreases in the winter, exposing your skin to drier air, impacting the moisture of the top layers of skin, and leading to winter skin rash. In fact, moisture loss in the skin increases by about 25 percent in the winter. Dry skin is most common on the hands, arms, lower legs, abdomen, and face, but can appear anywhere on the body.
You’re also more likely to use artificial heating during the winter. Cranking up the thermostat or lighting a fire adds dry heat to your home, pulling moisture out of the air and drying your skin. The combination of winter wind, cold outside air, and indoor heating conspires to dry out your child’s skin more than usual, leading to dryness, itching, flaking, and cracking.
Bathing or showering too often, or in water that is too warm, is also a risk factor. Bathing in hot water removes your skin’s natural oils, making it more likely to dry out. Sun damage is also a factor. Contrary to popular belief, sunburn and sun damage is still possible during winter. You can even get a double dose of sun damage during the winter, because snowfall reflects damaging UV light back at you from the ground.
Signs Your Child Has a Winter Skin Rash
Winter skin irritation is usually temporary and typically responds to at-home remedies, but it can become a long-term problem or exacerbate underlying skin conditions like eczema. Common signs and symptoms of winter skin rash include:
- Dry spots on the skin
- Tightness of the skin, especially after washing, bathing, or showering
- Rough texture
- Itching
- Flaking or ashiness
- Cracking
- Red discoloration on light skin or white/gray discoloration on darker skin
How to Prevent Dry, Itchy Skin During Cold Weather
As the chilly months settle in and little cheeks get extra rosy, it’s helpful to know that even if winter skin rashes can’t always be avoided, they can be soothed with relatively simple at-home remedies.
Moisturizer: Look for a moisturizing cream or ointment during winter, rather than conventional lotions. While thinner lotions can work well during the warmer summer months, winter calls for a more robust moisture barrier.
Sun protection: Sunscreen is most associated with the beach and warm summer months, but it’s important during winter as well, especially if you’re out in the snow. Look for a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to protect you from winter sun damage.
Cover up: The hands, feet, and face are some of the most at-risk areas. Keep your child covered up with gloves, hats, and scarves to keep as little skin as possible exposed to the cold environment. Lip balm can also protect your little one’s lips from drying out, and many have some sun protection too.
Bundle up for warmth: Artificial heat dries out the indoor environment, increasing the risk of skin irritation. Instead of cranking up the heat to keep warm, put on another layer of clothes or wrap up in a blanket to keep warm.
Rest: Get enough sleep to give your body time to repair the skin and recover from the damage of the day.
Soft fabrics: Wear fabrics made of soft, gentle materials. Avoid clothing that is abrasive or itchy.
When Dry Skin Becomes Winter Eczema
Eczema is a common skin condition that impacts about 30 percent of the population in the United States. While the precise cause or causes of eczema aren’t known, it can be triggered by winter weather. Cold winter weather doesn’t cause eczema directly, but dry and irritated skin can cause a flare-up of symptoms.
Eczema can be treated and managed, but a winter environment can make managing your child’s eczema more challenging than usual. In addition to cold, dry air, colds and flu viruses are more common during cold winter months and can trigger an outbreak. You’re also more likely to keep doors and windows closed during winter. Poor ventilation can lead to mildew, mold, dust mites, and other eczema triggers.
When to See a Pediatrician or Dermatologist
Winter skin rash, eczema, and other skin irritations are usually manageable with lifestyle changes and at-home remedies. If your child’s skin irritation persists despite lifestyle changes and at-home treatments, you may want to talk to their pediatric provider. If your child experiences any of the following, it’s a good idea to contact a pediatrician or dermatologist.
- Skin that is inflamed or painful
- Discomfort that impacts sleep or daytime activities
- Raw, open sores that are bloody or infected
- Skin irritation that covers a large area of the body
Preventing Dry Skin All Winter Long
Winter may bring cozy moments and holiday fun, but dry, irritated skin can sneak in and steal some of that joy. These simple habits can help protect your child’s skin and bring quick relief when irritation does show up.
Stay hydrated: Make sure your child is drinking plenty of water to keep their skin hydrated. Avoid caffeine or other diuretics, which can dehydrate skin further.
Moisturize: Use a moisturizer after washing or bathing your child. Use creams or ointments instead of lotions and look for moisturizers with hyaluronic acid and ceramides, both compounds that help maintain the skin’s moisture barrier.
Avoid additives: Be wary of harsh cleansers and moisturizers. Choose products for your child that are free of additives or fragrances that can irritate your skin.
Humidity: Use a humidifier to increase the humidity in your home. If your child spends most of their time in one room of your home (like the living room or bedroom), that’s where you want the humidifier to be. Aim for between 40 and 60 percent humidity to keep everyone’s skin happy.
Lower the temperature: Set your thermostat a little lower. While it will save you energy, it will also help prevent the air in your home from getting too dry.
Diet: Provide your child foods that support healthy skin. Fish, avocados, nuts, seeds, and vegetables contain omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins E and C, zinc, and beta carotene, all increase your skin’s ability to protect itself.
SOURCES:
