Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWinter RashesSymptomsPreventionTreatment OptionsIn Certain PopulationsSeeking Medical Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Winter Rashes
Symptoms
Prevention
Treatment Options
In Certain Populations
Seeking Medical Care
Cold, dry winter air can extract moisture from your skin, causing a winter rash to appear on the face, hands, legs, and any other skin exposed to the cold. Steps that you take to warm up, like hot showers and indoor heating, can also make a winter dry skin rash worse because they also dry out the skin.
A cold rash can look like tiny bumps on the skin, redness, or hives. Luckily, moisturizing and other skin care routines can help, although some people will need to see a healthcare provider to address winter rash.
Continue reading to learn more about winter rash and to see winter rash pictures. The article will cover why winter dry skin rash happens, and how to treat a cold rash.
Ivan Kryvoshei / Getty Images
The Link Between Winter and Rashes
In winter, you might need toadjust your skin care routineto account for the dryness of the air.
In addition to regular dry skin, specific skin conditions can get worse during the winter, including:
A Word From Verywell
—BRENDAN CAMP, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Symptoms: Do I Have a Winter Rash?
The main symptom of winter rash is dry, itchy skin. This is sometimes calledwinter itch, or pruritus hiemalis. The symptoms of winter rash can include:
Existing Skin Conditions
Winter weather can also make the symptoms of existing skin conditions worse. For example,symptoms of atopic dermatitis, including pus or oozing skin and changes to skin color, can become more noticeable.
Symptoms of cold hives can include:
How to Prevent Winter Rash Flares
Look for a moisturizer that is designed for sensitive skin, and doesn’t have harsh chemicals, dyes, or scents, which can further irritate dry skin.
In addition to keeping your skin moisturized, try these preventive measures:
Winter Rash Treatment Options
While moisturizing can make a big difference in the health of your skin during the winter, you may need more treatments once you start experiencing winter rash. Preventive measures such as moisturizing, minimizing your exposure to hot water, and avoiding harsh soaps should continue even when you’re using treatments.
Oftentimes, you’ll need prescription-strength cream to address symptoms, so you may want to see your primary care provider or dermatologist.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) & Prescription Remedies
These over-the-counter treatments can be helpful:
These treatments should be used along with moisturizing. Always apply the steroid cream first and then the moisturizer.
In severe cases, you’ll need to see a healthcare provider to get prescription medication to address your winter rash. This is especially the case if you’re living with eczema, which often needs prescription treatment.
Winter Rash in Specific Groups
Winter rash can happen to anyone, but it’s more common in certain groups.
Winter Rash in Children and Infants
Eczema is more common in children and infants than in adults, so kids and babies can be at higher risk of developing winter rash. Like adults, kids and babies can benefit from regular moisturizing. It’s also safe to use hydrocortisone cream on children. However, if you’re using it more than one week out of the month, you should talk with your child’s healthcare provider.
Winter Rash in People With Preexisting Skin Conditions
Cold winter air can make existing skin conditions worse. If you have a skin condition like eczema or psoriasis, work with your healthcare provider to prepare for the winter season, when your symptoms may flare up. Consider upping your moisturizing routine as the weather gets colder, or adding a humidifier in your home. Take extra care to avoid triggers, like certain detergents or foods that might make your symptoms worse.
Winter Rash Prevention and Treatment for Older Adults
Older people are particularly prone to dry skin and winter rash. The same steps that help others—moisturizing regularly, using a humidifier inside, and addressing chronic skin condition like eczema—can help older individuals with winter rash.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Winter rash is common, and many people don’t need to see a healthcare provider about it. However, you should see a healthcare provider if:
Summary
Winter rash occurs when dry air causes or exacerbates dry skin. This can cause an itchy, red rash associated with dry skin. It can also make underlying skin conditions like eczema worse. If you have a winter rash, moisturize your skin with unscented lotions. Use a humidifier indoors, and avoid frequent hot showers or baths.
If your rash becomes severe, a steroid cream or antihistamine can help with itching and inflammation. If you have to experience these symptoms more than one week out of the month, see your healthcare provider, who may suggest a more powerful treatment.
8 SourcesVerywell 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.University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.Winter dry skin.Mount Sinai.Atopic dermatitis.National Organization for Rare Diseases.Urticaria, cold.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Are triggers causing your psoriasis flare-ups?DermNet NZ.Asteatoic eczema.UC Davis Health.Itchy, dry skin this winter? These tips from dermatologists may help.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Managing eczema in winter and year round: A parents guide.White-Chu EF, Reddy M.Dry skin in the elderly: complexities of a common problem. Clin Dermatol. 201. doi: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2010.07.005.
8 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.University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.Winter dry skin.Mount Sinai.Atopic dermatitis.National Organization for Rare Diseases.Urticaria, cold.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Are triggers causing your psoriasis flare-ups?DermNet NZ.Asteatoic eczema.UC Davis Health.Itchy, dry skin this winter? These tips from dermatologists may help.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Managing eczema in winter and year round: A parents guide.White-Chu EF, Reddy M.Dry skin in the elderly: complexities of a common problem. Clin Dermatol. 201. doi: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2010.07.005.
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.
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.Winter dry skin.Mount Sinai.Atopic dermatitis.National Organization for Rare Diseases.Urticaria, cold.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Are triggers causing your psoriasis flare-ups?DermNet NZ.Asteatoic eczema.UC Davis Health.Itchy, dry skin this winter? These tips from dermatologists may help.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Managing eczema in winter and year round: A parents guide.White-Chu EF, Reddy M.Dry skin in the elderly: complexities of a common problem. Clin Dermatol. 201. doi: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2010.07.005.
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.Winter dry skin.
Mount Sinai.Atopic dermatitis.
National Organization for Rare Diseases.Urticaria, cold.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Are triggers causing your psoriasis flare-ups?
DermNet NZ.Asteatoic eczema.
UC Davis Health.Itchy, dry skin this winter? These tips from dermatologists may help.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Managing eczema in winter and year round: A parents guide.
White-Chu EF, Reddy M.Dry skin in the elderly: complexities of a common problem. Clin Dermatol. 201. doi: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2010.07.005.
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