Winter-Proof Your Baby's Skin: Three Effective Tips To Help Eczema in Cold Weather

Melting marshmallows over the open fireplace, slipping your feet into your favourite Ugg boots, the smell of a yummy casserole in the oven and… little ones struggling with dry skin and eczema flare-ups. If these are the things you're thinking of as the cold weather approaches, then chances are winter eczema could be on your mind. 

Why does eczema tend to get worse in winter?

Winter brings cold, dry air, making it hard for your baby's skin to retain moisture. So it is even more likely that your baby's skin will become dry, itchy and irritated. Winter also means in and out of warm heating to outside windy weather. Going from warm to cold can shock your baby's skin, leading to a winter eczema flare-up.

Practical tips for helping winter eczema flare-ups

These are a few things that may help manage your little one's winter eczema. And as always, it's best to discuss an eczema management plan with your medical professional to manage symptoms specific to your child's condition.

• Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise

Moisturise their skin first thing in the morning and straight after using our Itchy Baby Co. Bath Soak after bath time. It's a good idea to carry around some moisturiser to top up if you're out in the middle of the day. If it's a daycare day, consider packing a tube of moisturiser in their bag and ask the educator to apply it on their face, arms and legs at least once in the day and twice if they are spending time playing outside.

• Use a humidifier

Using a cool-mist humidifier will keep the air moist and may help stop your baby's skin from drying. You may wish to use one in their bedroom and one in the central area where they play. It's essential to keep the filter clean of mould and dust (and monitor for mould in your home), which can be potential triggers. 

• Avoid any known eczema triggers.

If you know of triggers that worsen your baby's eczema symptoms, be extra careful to avoid them. Being too hot can be an issue for people with eczema, so keep this in mind when using heating in the home or car. It may also be a good idea to layer your little one in cotton clothing to keep warm instead of heavy woollen fabrics, which can irritate sensitive skin. Any little thing you can do to avoid a flare-up is vital in dry weather.

And before we know it, winter and winter eczema will be over, and next, we'll be trying to manage the heat, sun and summer eczema. But let's talk about this in a few months!

This blog post was brought to you and your baby with love from the Itchy Baby Co. team x

Disclaimer: Information provided is of a general nature only, and you should always consult your medical professional.