The weather has turned cooler – and this can play havoc with eczema prone skin.

Many people notice a change in their skin condition when winter arrives, with flare ups common but there are some things you can do to try to prevent them.

Moisturise

Air tends to be drier in the winter, making dry eczema prone skin even more likely to itch. Apply moisturiser or emollient several times a day and don’t let the skin dry out.

Wrap up

Wear gloves and hats during cold weather to protect your skin from the elements. Going from hot indoors spaces to much colder outside can make skin dry and cracked. Always dress warmly and the change in temperature shouldn’t affect too much.

Humidify

Central heating makes the air inside your home even drier so you could consider getting a humidifier to add moisture back into the air.

Baths

It’s colder which makes many of us want to jump into a hot bubble bath, but this will only further dry out the skin. Avoid any chemicals in your bathing water and don’t let the water get too hot.

Avoid damp clothes

OK, you might not be able to avoid getting caught in the rain, but you make sure wet socks and trousers don’t stay on too long. Cold, damp environments can make eczema worse and are a perfect breeding ground for bacteria.

Wear layers

Wearing layers means you can keep the skin at an even temperature even when moving inside and out. Make sure the fabrics used are soft and avoid harsh materials like wool and polyester.