Why your eczema gets worse in winter — and what helps
Updated: Oct 17
Every winter, the same story. The itching returns. The patches flare up. The skin cracks around the knuckles, the elbows, the corners of the nose.
If you have eczema, you probably know this rhythm. Here is what is generally known about why winter can make it worse, and what you can do about it.
Why eczema can flare in winter
1. Cold, dry air and indoor heating
Cold outdoor air and dry, heated indoor air take moisture out of the skin. A dry skin barrier is easier to irritate, and dryness is a common trigger for eczema flare-ups.
2. Less daylight
Winter in the Netherlands means far less natural light. Researchers are studying how light affects the skin and the immune system, but it is not established that low light by itself makes eczema flare.
3. More time indoors, less sleep, more stress
We spend more time indoors in winter, under artificial light and in front of screens, and many people sleep worse. Poor sleep and stress are known to make eczema feel worse for many people.
See a doctor first
Eczema is a medical skin condition. If your skin is cracked, weeping, looks infected or is very itchy, or if it keeps coming back, see your GP or a dermatologist first.
At Light Angel Amsterdam we offer LED light therapy for the skin. It is not a treatment for eczema and it does not replace medical care. We cannot promise that it will help your eczema, and results vary from person to person.
What you can do at home
These general habits do not replace medical advice, but many people find them helpful in winter:
Use the moisturiser or ointment that your doctor or pharmacist recommends
Avoid very hot showers and harsh soaps
Keep the air indoors from getting too dry
Get some daylight in the morning and go outside when you can, even when it is grey
Keep a regular sleep routine
Questions about your skin?
At Light Angel Amsterdam, we offer a free 15-minute skin consultation with Virginie to talk about your skin and whether LED light therapy could be a good fit for you. No obligation.
Read also
Read also: explore red light therapy in Amsterdam or book a free skin consultation.
