Eczema is categorized by dry, itchy and red skin and can be more severe in the wintertime. The winter's dry air can suck even more moisture out of your skin, worsening your eczema symptoms. However, it is still possible to get some relief. Here are five helpful tips for living with eczema in the winter:

Invest in a Humidifier

If you suffer from eczema, it is especially important to use a humidifier in the winter. A humidifier will add some some moisture back to the air, preventing your skin from drying out too much. It is a good idea to place a humidifier in your bedroom or any other rooms you go to a lot.

Don't Wash Your Face With Harsh Soaps

Cleaning your face with soap might be alright in the summer, but it is not a good idea to do this in the wintertime. If you have eczema, your skin is extremely sensitive and harsh soaps can irritate it and cause dryness. It is better to use creamy cleansers that are specifically designed for sensitive skin.

Take Off Wet Clothes Immediately

If you have been sledding or enjoying other winter activities, make sure to remove your clothes as soon as you get inside the house. Sitting around in wet clothes can irritate your eczema. After you take off your clothes, apply a rich moisturizer to your skin.

Use the Right Moisturizer

You probably already know that you should apply moisturizer to your skin every day in the winter. However, any old moisturizer will not do the trick if you have eczema. Your skin will require a thick, oil-based moisturizer. It is helpful to put on this lotion right after you are done bathing because it will seal in the moisture better.

Avoid Long Showers

When you have eczema, it is even more vital to take shorter showers in the wintertime. Long and hot showers will remove oils from your skin, making it drier and redder. Keep the water at a lukewarm temperature and don't stand around in the shower any longer than you need to.

Eczema can be quite difficult to live with in the colder months, but it does not have to drive you completely crazy. If you follow these helpful tips, you can manage your eczema better. However, if your skin is still overly dry and itches like crazy, talk to your dermatologist, such as Northwest Asthma & Allergy Center PS, about other treatments.