Avoiding eczema flares in winter

This chronic, inflammatory, itchy skin condition, atopic eczema (AE) or atopic dermatitis, usually develops in early childhood with up to 20% of children in developed countries now suffering from the disease.¹ It is typically an episodic disease of exacerbation with flares occurring two or three times per month and remissions, but for some children it is continuous.

Atopic eczema often has a genetic component that leads to the breakdown of the skin barrier. This makes the skin susceptible to trigger factors, including irritants and allergens, which can make the eczema worse. There are common triggers associated with the winter months that can make the situation worse.