Itchy, dry skin this winter?
As colder temperatures continue and heaters remain on high, many people experience itchy, dry skin.
Suffering from dry, itchy skin in winter is a common condition that can affect anyone. Often called ‘winter itch’ or pruritus hiemalis, older adults with naturally drier skin are more susceptible.
Why ‘winter’ itch? Because when temperatures drop, we crank up the thermostat, creating dry indoor heat with low humidity levels. We sit indoors for hours in dry, heated offices and homes. This lack of moisture contributes to dry skin and potentially causes skin irritation, itching, or swelling.
What to do? First, dial down the heating, go easy on the electric blanket, and get as much fresh air as possible. As well, add moisture back into the air with a humidifier and limit those hot showers, which may feel soothing yet dry your skin out even more. Opt instead for short, lukewarm showers and gentle, fragrance-free cleansers. For an extra soothing routine, take a warm bath with a quarter-cup of baking soda before bed, which can ease itching and promote relaxation.
Tips for soothing winter skin itch:
- Moisturise immediately after bathing: Pat your skin dry after a lukewarm shower, then apply a thick, ceramide-based moisturiser within a few minutes to lock in hydration.
- Use a humidifier indoors: Combat dry indoor air caused by winter heating by running a humidifier to maintain skin-friendly moisture levels in your home.
- Choose gentle, fragrance-free products: Soaps, lotions, and laundry detergents with fragrance or alcohol can irritate dry, sensitive skin. Opt for hypoallergenic, fragrance-free formulas.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps support your skin’s barrier from the inside out.
Apply oils at night: Apply natural oils overnight, for example, coconut or jojoba oil for deep moisturising. Cover hands or feet with cotton gloves or socks to seal in moisture. - Avoid scratching: Scratching can worsen irritation and even lead to infection. Try cold compresses or anti-itch creams with colloidal oatmeal, menthol, or hydrocortisone for relief.
- Use a water softener: Hard water can dry and irritate the skin. Softener helps reduce mineral buildup that strips away skin’s natural oils.
