Eczema in the Fall: Prevention and Treatment Tips for Healthy Skin
For many people, the first crisp days of fall are a welcome change. But if you have eczema, your skin may notice the shift before you do.
As temperatures fall and the air becomes drier, skin can have a harder time holding onto moisture. Add indoor heating, hotter showers, heavier clothing and changing daily routines, and suddenly skin that felt relatively comfortable all summer may become dry, itchy and irritated.
If your eczema tends to flare every fall, getting ahead of the seasonal change can make a difference.
Why Can Eczema Get Worse in the Fall?
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that can cause dry, itchy and irritated skin. While triggers vary from person to person, changes in temperature and humidity can be particularly challenging.
In Minnesota, fall is more than a slight dip in temperature. Warm September afternoons can quickly give way to cold mornings, dry winds and, eventually, furnaces running indoors. That combination can put additional stress on skin that already has a weakened moisture barrier.
Some common fall eczema triggers include:
- Cooler, drier air: Lower humidity can pull moisture from the skin, increasing dryness and irritation.
- Indoor heating: Turning on the heat may make your home comfortable, but it can also make indoor air considerably drier.
- Hot showers and baths: They may feel especially good as temperatures drop, but very hot water can strip the skin of natural oils.
- Seasonal clothing: Wool and other coarse fabrics can irritate eczema-prone skin, particularly when worn directly against the body.
- Changes in skin care products: Heavily fragranced cleansers, lotions and other products can sometimes aggravate sensitive skin.
The good news? You don’t have to wait for a flare to start taking care of your skin.
6 Ways to Help Prevent Fall Eczema Flare-Ups
- Switch to a Richer Moisturizer – The lightweight lotion that worked well in July may not provide enough moisture once Minnesota’s air turns cool and dry. Fall is a good time to consider switching to a thicker, fragrance-free cream or ointment. Apply moisturizer regularly, especially after washing your hands, showering or bathing. For winter skin in general, Dermatology Consultants recommends using gentle or hydrating cleansers and moisturizing products that help the skin retain moisture. As the seasons change, the same moisture-first approach can be particularly helpful for eczema-prone skin.
- Moisturize Right After Bathing – Timing matters. After a shower or bath, gently pat your skin dry rather than rubbing it. Apply your moisturizer while the skin is still slightly damp. This can help trap moisture before it evaporates. Keep showers warm rather than hot and avoid lingering under the water longer than necessary. Your skin may prefer a little less steam, even when the Minnesota air says otherwise.
- Pay Attention to What Touches Your Skin – Fall means sweaters, jackets, scarves and layers return to the closet. Unfortunately, some fabrics can turn a cozy outfit into an itchy afternoon. If wool or rough fabrics irritate your eczema, consider wearing a soft, breathable layer underneath. It can also help to choose fragrance-free laundry detergent and avoid fabric products that seem to trigger irritation.
- Add Moisture Back Into Your Home – Once the furnace comes on, indoor humidity can drop quickly. Using a humidifier, particularly in your bedroom overnight, can help add moisture back into dry indoor air. Dermatology Consultants also recommends humidifier use as part of a winter skin care routine. Be sure to clean your humidifier regularly according to the manufacturer’s directions.
- Choose Gentle Skin Care Products – When eczema is active, complicated isn’t necessarily better. Gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers are often better suited for sensitive, eczema-prone skin. Be cautious about adding multiple new products at once, especially exfoliating or potentially irritating ingredients. Your skin care routine should support your skin barrier, not make it work overtime.
- Don’t Forget Sunscreen Just Because Summer Is Over – Cool weather doesn’t mean UV exposure disappears. Sunscreen should remain part of your daily routine throughout fall and winter, particularly when you’ll be spending time outside. If you have sensitive or eczema-prone skin, look for a sunscreen you can comfortably use without irritation.
What Should You Do When Eczema Flares?
Sometimes careful prevention isn’t enough. If you develop an eczema flare, resist the temptation to simply keep trying different over-the-counter products. What looks like eczema may sometimes be another type of dermatitis or skin condition, and persistent eczema may require prescription treatment.
A dermatologist can evaluate your skin, help identify potential triggers and recommend a treatment plan based on the location, severity and pattern of your symptoms.
Depending on your individual needs, treatment may include prescription topical medications, changes to your skin care routine or other therapies.
Most importantly, eczema treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. What works for someone else may not be the right approach for your skin.
When Is It Time to See a Dermatologist for Eczema?
Consider making an appointment if your eczema:
- Is becoming more frequent or severe
- Interferes with sleep or everyday activities
- Isn’t improving with your usual skin care routine
- Becomes painful, crusted, oozing or shows other signs of possible infection
- Keeps returning despite your efforts to identify and avoid triggers
- Is difficult to distinguish from another rash or skin condition
You also don’t need to wait until your skin becomes unbearable. If you know your eczema tends to worsen every Minnesota fall or winter, talking with a dermatologist early can help you develop a plan before the driest months arrive.
Prepare Your Skin for a Minnesota Fall
Minnesota weather rarely eases gently from summer into winter. Your skin care routine shouldn’t stay frozen in July while the weather races toward November.
A few seasonal adjustments, including gentler cleansing, more consistent moisturizing, avoiding known irritants and managing dry indoor air, can help protect eczema-prone skin as temperatures drop.
And when eczema continues to itch, flare or interfere with your daily life, expert care can help you understand what is triggering your symptoms and determine the appropriate treatment.
Dermatology Consultants provides medical dermatology care for common and complex skin conditions, including eczema, with locations in Eagan, St. Paul, Vadnais Heights and Woodbury.
Don’t wait for a fall flare to become a winter-long problem. Request an appointment with Dermatology Consultants and give your skin a plan for the season ahead.