Winter can be rough on your skin. The air gets colder. Humidity drops. And then you go inside and turn up the heat.
This combination will leave you skin feeling itchy, flaky, and just plain uncomfortable.
For some people, dry, itchy skin in winter is more than a temporary annoyance. Cold weather can trigger eczema flare-ups or other skin conditions harder to manage.
Knowing what to watch for can help you decide when it is time to stop reaching for another bottle of lotion and call a dermatologist.
Why Does Winter Make My Skin So Dry?
Cold air holds less moisture than warm air. Indoor heating dries things out even more. Together, these changes can leave your skin struggling to stay moisturized and hydrated.
If you have sensitive skin, you may notice that your skin is itchier, more red, and drier during the winter months.
If you already have eczema, the change in temperature and humidity can be an especially frustrating trigger.
Itchy Skin in Winter: Is It Always Eczema?
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, causes dry, inflamed, itchy skin. Some people develop red or brownish patches. Others notice thick, scaly areas that become cracked from repeated scratching.
The itching can be intense, especially during the colder months. Scratching may provide a few seconds of relief, but it can also leave your skin raw and more irritated.
Though winter weather doesn’t cause eczema, it can worsen symptoms and cause flare-ups that are very hard to manage.
Of course, dry, itchy skin in the winter isn’t only caused by eczema. Other conditions that can also flare up during the winter include psoriasis, xerosis, and cold urticaria.
Simple Ways to Calm Dry Skin in Winter
Your daily routine can make a real difference in keeping your skin calm and hydrated.
Start with your shower. Avoid taking extremely hot showers, as this can dry out your skin even more. Use a mild cleanser and don’t scrub too hard.
Always moisturize immediately after bathing. Apply a thicker cream or ointment that nourishes and protects your skin.
You’ll also want to avoid products that are heavily fragranced.
These small changes can help prevent ordinary winter dryness. But persistent symptoms deserve more attention.
When You Should See a Dermatologist
Sometimes you can’t fix dryness and itching on your own. You should schedule an appointment at Acworth Dermatology if you have persistent itching, a rash, or if symptoms are interfering with sleep or daily activities.
You should also get checked if your skin is cracked, painful, swollen, or starts weeping.
Dr. Johnathan Chappell will look at the affected skin and determine whether eczema is actually the problem. Once the cause is identified, we’ll recommend treatment that will help your winter skin woes.
We offer many different treatment options, including:
- Thick moisturizers, including creams and ointments, to protect the skin barrier
- Topical corticosteroids to calm inflammation, itching, and redness
- Phototherapy, which helps with persistent eczema that doesn’t respond to topical treatments
If you have recurring eczema, getting the right diagnosis is key for making future flare-ups easier to manage.
Don’t Wait Until Spring to Take Care of Your Skin
Winter skin problems are common, but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck dealing with dryness and itching for months on end. Stop the endless cycle of trying every product but not getting the relief you need!
At Acworth Dermatology, we offer effective treatment options for eczema and other skin concerns so that you can make the most of the winter months.
Contact us online or give our office a call at 678-505-8030 to book a consultation with Dr. Chappell.
Who is Dr. Johnathan Chappell?
Dr. Johnathan Langston Chappell, MD is a double board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon practicing at Acworth Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center in Acworth, Georgia.
Education & Academic Background
- Undergraduate: Graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Morehouse College, where he was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society.
- Medical School: Earned his medical degree from Morehouse School of Medicine.
- Internship: Completed at the University of South Alabama.
Residency & Specialized Training
- Residency: Trained in dermatology at Howard University Hospital in Washington, DC, spending over half of his residency at the Washington VA Medical Center treating diverse skin types in medical and cosmetic dermatology.
- Fellowship: Completed a fellowship in Mohs micrographic surgery at the Northwestern Skin Cancer Institute in Chicago under the supervision of Drs. Brian Cook and Jean Christophe Lapiere.
Credentials & Recognition
- Double-board certified in Dermatology and Mohs Surgery.
- Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology (FAAD).
- Named among Atlanta Magazine’s Top Doctors of Atlanta and consistently recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor.
