For many people with eczema, wintertime can be the most trying season. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), cold temperatures dry out your skin, which only makes symptoms like skin flaking, peeling, cracking, and itchiness even worse. This can mean months of discomfort until the weather becomes milder again.
So what can you do to make it through the season with fewer flare-ups? The fact that eczema is so common—the National Eczema Association estimates that one in 10 people deal with it at some point in their lives—means that lots of Goat milk products people have come up with their own ways to deal, including lifestyle changes and medications (and often a combo of both). Of course, the most effective treatments will vary a ton from person to person, which is why it’s always important to talk to a dermatologist and have them evaluate your individual situation before you take matters into your own hands.
To help give you some ideas about taming eczema flares this winter, we asked six people living with the condition to share what helps them to best manage their symptoms when the weather is downright frigid.
“I take lukewarm showers and apply lotion immediately after.”
Forms of Eczema
Elin Alexander, 31, has dealt with various forms of eczema since she was a child, including atopic dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema (in which small, intensely itchy blisters form on the hands and feet), and eczema on her scalp. After trying several medications over the years and going through topical steroid withdrawal, she is currently doing a phototherapy regimen under the care of her dermatologist.
Elin has also found that being mindful of her lifestyle and skin care routine is immensely important in avoiding flare-ups. This includes staying hydrated, keeping humidifiers in every room in her house, using fragrance-free products (such as household cleaners and laundry detergents), minimizing handwashing when possible, and adopting a gentler shower routine.
“I take lukewarm showers and add a blast of cold water for a few seconds at the end to retain moisture even more,” Elin tells SELF. “I also use bars of goat milk soap, which is very mild.” She’s found that standard drugstore bar soaps just made her eczema worse, even ones that are billed as “gentle” or “good for sensitive skin.” The first thing she does after stepping out of the shower is moisturize her skin. “I apply lotion up to twice a day, including immediately after showers,” she says.
Goat Milk Lotion for Skin care
“I wear natural fibers because synthetic materials can really exacerbate my eczema.”
Kayla W., 36, was diagnosed with eczema when she was 16 years old. In the two decades since, she’s learned that winter can be one Goat milk skin care of the most challenging times for keeping it under control. “If I don’t catch an eczema episode early enough, it can get really painful, especially when it’s cold and dry,” she tells SELF. To keep symptoms in check as much as possible, she’s extra diligent about moisturizing, especially after exercising, and makes sure to wear clothing that won’t irritate her sensitive skin.
Kayla started wearing sustainable and natural fibers for environmental purposes, but has found her skin tolerates them better, too. “I wear more natural fibers in the winter, like cotton, bamboo, and wool, because I notice synthetic materials can really exacerbate my eczema,” she says. While some people experience skin irritation from wool in particular, it works well for Kayla. “I wear a fine merino wool base layer when it’s really cold. I perspire a decent amount—even in winter—so I need something that keeps me warm, is breathable, and dries quickly.”
Conclusion
Kayla finds that being choosy about the fabrics she puts against her skin (including bedding, clothing, and sleepwear) can make a big difference.“I also wear soft, loose clothes and cover up outside, especially. Despite the fact that eczema is so common, the things that aggravate it and cause symptoms to come on can vary among individuals. For Carolyn S., 39, avoiding her specific triggers is key for keeping winter flares at bay.
