It’s been cold, very cold this past week. If you ask me, It’s been the coldest winter of my life (and I bet my mom wouldn’t approve me going outside when it’s -7 oC). And while I try to embrace winter and the recent low temperatures as positive as possible, I can’t help but facing childhood memories.
To me, winter is associated to those awkward arguments between my mom and dad. I remember always starting with the picture of my mom in the kitchen, cooking right by the open flame of our gas stove. I remember her fingertips presented a flaky look and no matter the amount of body lotion she put on them never seemed to get better. But this effect wasn’t isolated to her hands only, she then would suddenly reach out for her legs and scratch, repeatedly and vigorously, and having my dad in the background telling her to wash her hands and see a doctor. Of course my mom never did since her skin issues continued for years. I now think my mom suffered from Eczema all this time and that is more common than we think.
From my last conversation I had with her I made sure to explain more about eczema, symptoms and what products she could try at home for relief. Here are the top 3 things that help me minimize the effects of eczema during winter:
1. Drink water. Do you know that during winter our skin drys out faster and its moisture replenishes from… hello? our body’s! We need to be well hydrated. I make it a rule to drink 1 glass of water right before I leave for work and then 1 more glass before I return home. 2 extra glasses of water doesn’t seem a lot, but it’s already a difference than if I don’t.
2. Treat the skin. There is this great line that Polysporin carries called Eczema Essentials. This winter I made sure to use tailored products to help minimize the dryness, itch and irritation effects. I use the Daily Body Wash for my morning showers and find it very smooth and light as any other body wash. But still creamy enough to layer my skin without an oily or sticky feeling afterwards. Then I lock all of this greatness with the Daily Moisturizing Cream. I apply this primarily below my knees, because as my mom, I tend to suffer from eczema during winter times. But I can also apply it on my face. These products are scent free and sensitive enough that can be used with children too.
3. Make a travelling kit. This has been a life saving thing. In my purse I carry a lip balm and Polysporin Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream. There are times when an itch attack hits and the thought of feeling thousands of ants crawling under my skin and feeling unable to stop it just freaks me out. Having the Hydrocortisone with me helps me feel confident and protected. I don’t get tired of recommending this product, it helped me a lot to deal with my allergies when I was desperate. Vancouver went through a period of high construction along Cambie Street, right in front where I used to live. During that time I experienced my worst skin reaction which seemed to always start with an itch and end in swollen and irritated skin. Bumpy. You could clearly see all these bumps as big as those mosquito bites. They were anywhere I scratched which were mostly on my legs, back and face. Ever since then, it’s not only in my purse but also in my bathroom cabinet. It should be a must have product.
Is there anything that helps you with Eczema? How do you deal with cold temperatures?
“Disclosure: I am part of the the POLYSPORIN® Eczema EssentialsTMBlogger Campaign with Mom Central Canada and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.”
Janice says
Thanks for sharing your story and Eczema tips. My son (6 y/o) suffers from Eczema, when he itches he leaves frightening looking welts on his arms and hands (well, also his face, chest, back, etc.) and any tips to help him are always welcomed.
Mama and the City says
Hi Janice, it’s a terrifying feeling. Try the cortisone cream, that’s what I use as soon as I have the itch feeling coming. There has been times when it happens at night and I just hate the inability to sleep. The cortisone takes care of it.
Rorybore says
my middle daughter had it awful for the first 2 years of her life. It seems to have calmed down now, but she has very sensitive skin. all our cleaning products, laundry etc. are natural products. No dyes or fragrances. otherwise her entire body goes blister red.
Polysporin is definitely in my first aid kit!
we also use another lotion called Glycodermine. It’s good for very when the skin gets very dry and chapped.
Mama and the City says
Thanks for sharing. It really makes us aware of things to avoid as well as changes to our routines.
Bruna from Bees with Honey says
I have Eczema too! Always looking to try something new. Woohoo!
Mama and the City says
oh Bruna, I didn’t know. I can see myself using this line especially when since it can be used with children (and on the face – a must for me!).
Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life says
I’d never heard of that product, but I may need to try it. I have a prescription medicine for my eczema. I’ve had it for years and it is so annoying! Of course it’s worse in the winter!
Phoebe @ Lou Messugo says
There are some good tips here, thanks for sharing. Thanks tot to SITS for this great commenting challenge
becka says
We are experiencing something new with my oldest that I suspect might be eczema related. lotion isn’t working. I am going to get some of that and try it.
Nolie says
I took part in this campaign too. Was one of the best campaigns ever in terms of helping my family.
Mrs. B says
Thanks for the great tips, my daughter has eczema and it flares up quite a bit!
kim says
What great tips! My son has eczema and after reading your article, I’m now wondering if what I though was a rash on his face is also eczema. We treated it with hydrocortisone and it cleared up, but now it’s back… and yes, it’s freezing here too. Unseasonably so. Perhaps we’ve been treating it correctly and never knew!
I’m curious if the Polysporin Cream has less cortisone/ polysporin in it than just a tube of polysporin — or is it a different consistency. Might have to give it a try! Thanks for the help!
xo ~kim & chloe @ popcosmo.com
Christy Garrett @ Uplifting Families says
My oldest son has eczema and I found that applying a small amount of hydro cortisone and a good lotion like moisturel works the best.
Raven says
My four year old daughter has it. We use the whole Aveeno Eczema line, plus Cortizone 10 for eczema and a prescription our doctor gave us. I just bought moisturizing gloves for her to wear at night. I can’t wait until she out grows it.
Nicole says
Thank you for sharing this! I have dealt with eczema for as long as I can remember. This year has been particularly bad. I have noticed a positive difference with mine when I take baths with coconut oil.
Nicki says
Water is so important. I have extremely dry skin and was diagnosed with contact dermatitis when I was younger. My hands and feet take the brunt of it in the winter and will crack and bleed. The worst time is the transition time, as the weather changes from warm to cold or vice versa. I know water is important but I have, even though I’m a runner, a hard time getting enough water in the winter.
Just stopping by from the SITS Girls comment love challenge.
Rachel DeVaughn says
I need to check out this product! i get horrible dry skin. right now im using diaper rash ointment on my knuckles and it helps so much!! (from a SITS girl!)
Nickida says
My husband has eczema and two of our kids does as well. We’ve tried just about every thing I can think of and nothing seems to work on it’s own. Right now we are using Neosporin Eczema Essentials Moisturizure and Shea Moisture Black Soap and it’s working now.
Myrah - Coupon Mamacita says
Good to know! I’ve never head of these products so it’s good they exist for this terrible condition.
Christina says
As someone who’s had eczema for over 10 +years, it’s interesting that you mention cortisone cream…I used to be a big believer in creams for eczema, but I realized that as soon as I stopped using it, my eczema would come back and flare. (Has this ever happened to you?)
I was finally able to clear my eczema without creams through concentrating on what was on the inside of my skin, opposed as to always looking on the outside. How have the creams worked so far for you? Do you notice they work on a permanent basis, or just while you’re using them?
Nadia says
Hi Cristina, I actually notice they work as I use them. Like you, eczema comes back – usually during summer and winter.