Cold winter weather makes skin prone to dryness and eczema flares. You can avoid over stripping the skin’s natural lipid layer by following these suggestions from Dr. Roberts:

• Avoiding excessive use of salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or vitamin A derivatives like Retin A or other retinoids.
• Use gentle non soap cleansers.
• Avoid excessive bathing – limit showers or baths to less than 10 minutes.
• Avoid excessive hot water use which can strip the skin’s natural oils.
• Moisturize after every hand washing and after bathing when skin is still damp to trap water into the skin – reapply whenever skin feels dry.
• Apply lip balm periodically & avoid licking or smacking lips which lead to painful chapped lips.
• Don’t forget to use chemical free daily sunscreen including the delicate eye and lip areas!
• Wear sunglasses whenever outdoors, especially if skiing.

**If dry winter itch/ eczema occurs, you can try applying bland ointments like Vaniply ointment or Aquaphor ointment with an over the counter 1% hydrocortisone ointment twice a day – but if your rash is no better in 3 days, seek medical care.