Neurodermatitis in winter – How to cope with the cold season

Table of contents

• Why atopic dermatitis gets worse in winter
• Symptoms of atopic dermatitis in winter
• Atopic dermatitis flare-ups and their triggers
• The link between gut health and atopic dermatitis
• Diet tips for atopic dermatitis in winter
• Supporting the skin barrier – the right skincare
• Atopic dermatitis in children: tips for everyday winter life
• Atopic dermatitis and sports in winter
• General tips
• Getting through winter well with HLH BioPharma and the right care

Why atopic dermatitis gets worse in winter

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition influenced by genetic factors, an impaired skin barrier, and external trigger factors. In winter, symptoms often worsen because the combination of cold, dry heated air, and decreasing humidity places additional strain on skin function. For people with atopic dermatitis, skincare becomes a particular challenge during this time of year.

Factors that worsen atopic dermatitis in winter include:

• Cold: It reduces blood circulation in the skin, impairing its ability to regenerate. This further weakens the already compromised skin barrier.
• Dry heated air: It draws moisture out of the skin, making it cracked and more prone to irritation.
• Decreasing humidity: Less moisture in the air means the upper layers of skin dry out faster and atopic eczema can occur more easily.
• Trigger factors: Allergens such as house dust mites, fragrances in skincare products, or stress are especially present in winter and intensify flare-ups.
• Irritating clothing: Wool and synthetic fabrics can irritate sensitive skin in cold weather and promote inflammation.

In addition, atopic eczema is often intensified by these factors, leading to severe itching, flare-ups, and visible changes in the skin. Those affected should therefore pay close attention to their skincare routine and take protective measures to cope better with winter.

Symptoms of atopic dermatitis in winter

Symptoms of atopic dermatitis in winter can vary widely but often occur more intensely. Typical signs include:

• Very dry, flaky skin
• Redness and inflammation
• Intense itching, especially at night
• Cracks and small wounds in the skin
• Occurrence of atopic eczema, especially on the hands, face, and flexural areas

These symptoms can be alleviated with proper care and by avoiding trigger factors. Consistent basic care is particularly important to strengthen the skin barrier.

Atopic dermatitis flare-ups and their triggers

Atopic dermatitis flare-ups have many different triggers that can vary from person to person. In winter, however, flare-ups occur particularly often because various factors such as cold, heated air, and dry air come together.

Cold as a trigger

The cold outside causes blood vessels to constrict to retain warmth in the body. This leads to poorer blood circulation in skin tissue, slowing the regeneration of skin cells. A weakened skin barrier can worsen the atopic condition and intensify symptoms.

Heated air and dry air

Heated air drastically reduces humidity and strips the skin of its natural moisture. Particularly sensitive skin, like that of people with atopic dermatitis, becomes more prone to cracks, dryness, and itching. These factors can trigger a flare-up or worsen existing symptoms.

Irritation from clothing

Warm winter clothing is essential, but certain materials such as wool can irritate sensitive skin. Non-breathable synthetic fabrics can also promote inflammation. For people with atopic dermatitis, it is therefore important to choose skin-friendly materials such as cotton or silk.

Allergens and fragrances

Many skincare products contain fragrances that can irritate sensitive skin. Especially in winter, affected individuals reach for creams and lotions more often to care for dry skin. However, if these products are unsuitable, they can worsen symptoms. Certain allergens such as house dust mites in heated rooms can also become a problem.

The link between gut health and atopic dermatitis

The skin microbiome and the gut microbiome are closely connected and influence each other through the so-called microbiome axis system, which links various microorganisms in our bodies. Both microbiomes play a central role in health and the immune system, especially in chronic conditions such as atopic dermatitis.

How the gut flora influences the skin flora:

1. Regulation of inflammation: The gut flora controls the production of anti-inflammatory or pro-inflammatory substances. An imbalance in the gut (dysbiosis) can promote systemic inflammation, which can also negatively affect the skin.
2. Strengthening the immune system: About 70% of the immune system is located in the gut. A healthy gut flora promotes a balanced immune response and can reduce excessive reactions such as itching or eczema in atopic dermatitis.
3. Nutrient supply: The gut flora helps provide important nutrients such as vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants that are necessary for a healthy skin barrier.

How the skin flora affects the gut flora in return:

• Barrier function: An intact skin barrier not only protects the skin from external influences, but also reduces strain on the immune system by protecting the body from excessive inflammation.
• Systemic communication: Certain metabolic products of microorganisms on the skin can influence the gut via the bloodstream, strengthening the interaction between the two microbiomes.

Effects in atopic dermatitis:

In atopic dermatitis, both the skin flora and the gut flora are often disrupted. Overgrowth of harmful microorganisms on the skin or dysbiosis in the gut can intensify inflammation. At the same time, “good” bacteria such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, which could have anti-inflammatory effects, are often lacking.

Approaches to support both microbiomes:

• Probiotics: Dietary supplements or foods containing probiotic cultures can strengthen the gut flora and reduce systemic inflammation.
• Prebiotics: Prebiotic dietary components such as fiber promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
• Skincare with probiotics: Products with probiotic or prebiotic ingredients can support the skin flora directly.
• Balanced diet: An anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vegetables, and low in sugar has a positive effect on both microbiomes.

In summary, the skin flora and gut flora influence each other through anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating processes. Caring for both microbiomes is therefore a central approach to improving skin health in conditions such as atopic dermatitis.

Diet tips for atopic dermatitis in winter

Especially in the cold season, diet plays an important role in strengthening the skin from within and relieving symptoms. To support the gut microbiome, you can implement the following tips:

• Integrate probiotic foods such as yogurt or kefir into your diet.
• Consume prebiotic foods such as onions, garlic, or oats, which promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
• Take dietary supplements with probiotics in consultation with a doctor.
• Ensure a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables to support gut health in the long term.

Taking probiotics in the form of foods or dietary supplements can also have positive effects. Yogurt, kefir, or special probiotic capsules can strengthen the microbiome from within and thus indirectly improve skin health. It is best to consult a doctor or nutritionist to select the products that are suitable for you.

Supporting the skin barrier – the right skincare

The skin barrier plays a crucial role in managing atopic dermatitis, especially in the cold season. It protects the skin from external influences such as cold, dry air, and allergens. In atopic dermatitis, however, this protective layer is often damaged, which means moisture cannot be retained and irritants can penetrate more easily. The result is dryness, itching, and inflammation.

To strengthen the skin barrier, you should:

• Use rich skincare products that have been developed specifically for sensitive skin.
• Use skin-friendly cleansing that does not attack the natural protective layer, such as pH-neutral shower gels.
• Apply cold- and weather-protection creams to protect the skin from external stressors.
• Use lukewarm water instead of hot water to avoid unnecessarily damaging the skin’s lipid film.

Atopic dermatitis in children: tips for everyday winter life

Children with atopic dermatitis are particularly sensitive to winter stressors. Their skin is still thinner and more prone to dryness and irritation. Therefore, it is important to tailor their skincare specifically to the cold season.

Parents can do the following to protect their children’s skin:

• Introduce skincare rituals that involve applying rich creams daily.
• Choose scratch-free clothing made of cotton or silk to avoid irritation.
• Create adjusted indoor humidity, for example using humidifiers, to counteract dry heated air.
• Use gentle skincare products that have been developed specifically for atopic children’s skin.
• Avoid overheating from clothing that is too warm to prevent sweating and irritation.

Atopic dermatitis and sports in winter

Sports in winter can be challenging for people with atopic dermatitis, but also offers benefits because exercise promotes circulation and reduces stress. At the same time, however, affected individuals should keep a few things in mind to avoid putting unnecessary strain on the skin.

To prevent exercise from irritating the skin, you should:

• Wear functional clothing made of breathable materials that wicks moisture away quickly and protects the skin.
• Avoid direct skin contact with synthetic fabrics, as these can cause irritation.
• Apply a protective cream before exercising to protect the skin from cold and wind.
• Use moisturizing care after exercising to soothe the skin and prevent it from drying out.
• Use gentle cleansing products that do not further irritate the skin.

Protect your skin from the cold by using special cold-protection creams. These form a protective barrier and prevent the skin from drying out. Don’t forget to take extra care of sensitive areas such as the face and hands.

General tips

Wear breathable clothing made of soft materials such as cotton. Avoid wool and synthetic fabrics that can irritate the skin. Proper laundering is also important: use mild detergents without fragrances. In addition to skincare, there are other measures that can help you cope better with the cold season:

1. Increase humidity: Use humidifiers to improve dry heated air. An optimal humidity of 40–60% is ideal for the skin.
2. Avoid trigger factors: Identify triggers such as certain foods, stress, or unsuitable skincare products and try to avoid them.
3. Balanced diet: A healthy diet with sufficient omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins can positively influence skin health.
4. Reduce stress: Stress is a common trigger for atopic dermatitis flare-ups. Relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation can help reduce stress.

Getting through winter well with HLH BioPharma and the right care

Atopic dermatitis in winter presents those affected with particular challenges, but with the right care and a mindful approach to trigger factors, you can effectively alleviate your symptoms.

Our high-quality products provide gentle and effective support to soothe the skin and increase well-being. In addition to special products for skin health, you will find other natural solutions for your health in our range, including:

• Gut health: Support for a healthy gut flora, which plays an important role in skin health and the regulation of inflammation.
• Oral health: Products developed specifically for the oral microbiome.
• Children’s health: Natural skincare products and solutions tailored to the sensitive skin of children with atopic dermatitis.
• Allergy: Specifically for better immune balance.

Discover our natural approaches to optimally care for your skin from HLH BioPharma!