Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsRisk FactorsCausesDiagnosisPreventionTreatmentOutcomeComplications
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Risk Factors
Causes
Diagnosis
Prevention
Treatment
Outcome
Complications
Fortunately, winter itch can be prevented or at least treated in those who are at higher risk. Frequent and aggressive moisturizing can help, as can a humidifier, lukewarm water, and more.
This article discusses the symptoms and causes of winter itch, as well as how to treat and prevent it.
Verywell / Dennis Madamba
Symptoms of Winter Itch
It can affect any part of the body but is most commonly foundon the legs. Typical sites are the inner surface of the thighs, above and behind the knees, on the calves, and around the ankles.It does not affect the hands, feet, face, or scalp.
Common symptoms of winter itch include:
Causes and Treatments for Itchy Skin (Pruritus)
Risk Factors for Winter Itch
Winter itch can happen to anyone, but some people are more at risk than others. If you have a history ofsensitive skin, be sure to use extra moisturizer to protect your skin during the cold months.
Age
As we age, our skin tends to thin and become drier. This puts older people at higher risk for developing irritated, dry skin in the winter.
Environmental factors like temperature can further exacerbate that problem. Research has shown that cold air with low humidity during the winter months can deplete the skin’s moisture and cause dry skin in the elderly.
Pre-Existing Dry Skin
Dry Skin Under Eyes: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment
Causes of Winter Itch
Weather
Cold weather causes or exacerbates dry skin because of the lack of moisture in the air. Cold air is dry air, and that dryness can pull the moisture out of the top layers of your skin. It’s also possible to experience winter itch in warmer months if you’re spending time indoors. The air coming out of an air conditioner is often dryer than winter air, leading to more skin dryness and irritation.
Winter Rash: Effects and Skin Care in Colder Months
Moisture
After spending time outdoors in freezing temperatures, nothing sounds better than coming home to a long, hot shower. Unfortunately, that hot water will leave your skin more irritated than before. Hot water strips your skin of its natural oils, causing dryness and redness. This is why it’s so helpful to apply a moisturizer after showering or washing your hands. Your skin is especially dry and needs to have that moisture replenished.
How Often Should You Shower?
Chemicals
Exposure to chemicals can also contribute to dry skin in the winter months. The dyes and fragrances in certain soaps can irritate sensitive skin and strip moisture from your skin, especially if the soap is not thoroughly rinsed off.
It is also possible to have an allergic or chemical reaction to scented laundry soaps and fabric softeners that can remain in pillowcases, sheets, and clothing.
The chlorine in swimming pools is another chemical that dries out the skin.
Eat Your Way to Healthier Skin
Next, add more foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Examples include fish, flaxseed, and walnuts. Omega-3 fats help cells hold onto moisture. Adding protein to your diet will help damaged cells repair themselves; try fish, poultry, lentils, and low-fat dairy. Finally, vitamins A, C, and E are all known to reduce inflammation in the body, helping to ease pain and redness in the skin. Reach for fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds for better skin.
A dry skin rash can sometimes be mistaken for other skin conditions likedermatitis,eczema, orpsoriasis. To know if it’s winter itch, pay careful attention to when it started and what makes it worse. If you see a dermatologist, they will take a detailed history to determine if the cold, dry air is to blame for your symptoms.
Preventing winter itch involves helping your skin retain as much moisture as possible. Try these strategies to retain moisture:
The Wrong Treatment Can Make It WorseMany over-the-counter products and natural remedies for winter itch may sound safe to try, but they could leave your skin more irritated. Rubbing alcohol and witch hazel both give the appearance of moisturized skin when first applied, but quickly dry out your skin when they dry. Avoid these home remedies, and talk with your dermatologist if you’re having trouble getting your winter itch under control.
The Wrong Treatment Can Make It Worse
Many over-the-counter products and natural remedies for winter itch may sound safe to try, but they could leave your skin more irritated. Rubbing alcohol and witch hazel both give the appearance of moisturized skin when first applied, but quickly dry out your skin when they dry. Avoid these home remedies, and talk with your dermatologist if you’re having trouble getting your winter itch under control.
Treating Winter Itch
Try these treatment options for winter itch:
The best lotion for dry skin may not be a lotion at all. Ointments, oils, and creams can be more effective and less irritating than lotions. Examples include shea butter, petroleum jelly, lanolin, jojoba oil, and mineral oil.
It’s best to avoid over-the-counter itch-suppressing creams, though they sound helpful. They are often made with chemicals that could make winter itch worse.
Find Out How Using Hydrocortisone Cream Can Help Itchy Skin Rashes
Moisturize OftenThe best way to both treat and prevent winter itch is to moisturize your skin frequently. Cold, dry air constantly pulls moisture out of your skin, so the goal is to outpace that drying process with added moisture from lotions and creams.Opt for a thick cream, ointment, or oil without added fragrances, since moisturizers with strong fragrances could be irritating to sensitive skin. If you are spending time outdoors, keep a small tube of moisturizer with you.
Moisturize Often
The best way to both treat and prevent winter itch is to moisturize your skin frequently. Cold, dry air constantly pulls moisture out of your skin, so the goal is to outpace that drying process with added moisture from lotions and creams.Opt for a thick cream, ointment, or oil without added fragrances, since moisturizers with strong fragrances could be irritating to sensitive skin. If you are spending time outdoors, keep a small tube of moisturizer with you.
The best way to both treat and prevent winter itch is to moisturize your skin frequently. Cold, dry air constantly pulls moisture out of your skin, so the goal is to outpace that drying process with added moisture from lotions and creams.
Opt for a thick cream, ointment, or oil without added fragrances, since moisturizers with strong fragrances could be irritating to sensitive skin. If you are spending time outdoors, keep a small tube of moisturizer with you.
Winter itch received its name because it usually only occurs in the winter months. Once the weather starts to warm up and the air becomes a bit more humid, your skin should return to normal. You may experience a single bout of winter itch, or it could last all winter.
Winter itch has a high rate of recurrence because winter comes around every year. While some people will only experience it once or twice in their lives, others will need to address it every year.
As soon as the weather starts to cool, start moisturizing regularly. Starting a regular lotion or cream regimen before your skin shows signs of winter itch can help prevent or minimize dryness and irritation.
How Eczema Is Treated
Complications of Winter Itch
Winter itch is uncomfortable on its own, but can also lead to other problems. The dry skin that results from this condition is often very itchy, which can lead to scratching. If you find yourself scratching your dry skin, you’ll be more at risk for bleeding and infection.
While dry winter itch is frustrating on its own, it can also exacerbate underlying conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Summary
Cold weather can bring on winter itch causing skin to become dry, red, and scaly. Small cracks in the skin and bleeding can also occur.
Preventive measures such as applying moisturizer frequently, using a humidifier when sleeping, shortening shower time, and avoiding very hot water, can help minimize the effects cold weather has on your skin. Starting a moisturizing routine before your skin shows signs of winter itch can help prevent or minimize dryness and irritation.
If dryness, redness, or irritation worsens, meet with a healthcare provider for an evaluation.
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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University of Iowa Health Care.Winter dry skin.
DermNet NZ.Winter itch.
MedlinePlus.gov.Dry skin - self-care.
American Family Physician.What can I do for dry, itchy skin?
U.S. News.A nutritionist’s guide to fighting dry skin in winter.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Dermatologists' top tips for relieving dry skin.
Harvard Health Publishing.Top 5 fixes for itchy winter skin.
Wexner Medical Center.Avoid ‘winter itch’ — and know when to see a doctor.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Atopic dermatitis: self-care.Cleveland Clinic.Top 6 winter health hazards and how to beat them.Skin Cancer Foundation.Cold air requires a little extra skin care.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Atopic dermatitis: self-care.
Cleveland Clinic.Top 6 winter health hazards and how to beat them.
Skin Cancer Foundation.Cold air requires a little extra skin care.
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