Why You Always Get a Winter Rash, and How to Prevent and Treat Them

It's no secret that cold weather can be harsh on our skin. It's why we reach for richer moisturizers and hydrating cleansers when temperatures plummet — but sometimes, there's no escaping winter's wrath. Perhaps you're one of the thousands who deal with winter rashes, a skin reaction associated with dry, dehydrated skin during the winter months.

One of the most important things to know is that a winter rash isn’t a clinical diagnosis, says Dustin Portela DO, a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon based in Boise, Idaho. That means conditions may show up as skin irritation or, if you’re already dealing with a skin condition, cause a flare-up of eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, or hives.

Here's what you need to know about winter rashes.

What Does a Winter Rash Look Like?

"A winter rash is usually a dry, scaly, and red patch of skin irritated from exposure to cold and windy climates," says Jeannette Graf, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine who’s based in New York City.

Dr. Portela adds that flakiness or redness is common, too. "The skin doesn't start red but can become so through repeated scratching," he explains. "If the itching is intense, we may also see lines of excoriation from the patient scratching."

And they can happen anywhere on the body. "Winter rashes due to seasonal changes can appear anywhere the body experiences drying out," explains Macrene Alexiades, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and CEO and founder of Macrene Actives.

What Causes a Winter Rash?

The dry winter air can cause a winter rash. This happens because "cold air doesn't hold water as well as warm air," says Portela, and thus, the "low humidity creates a [vapor pressure] gradient that can promote trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL)," causing necessary moisture to escape your skin.

Plus, your skin's natural oils might not be much of a help during the winter months because we produce less oils as we age, says Portela. Compounded with TEWL, the amount of oil your skin produces may not be enough to keep your skin hydrated, he explains.

Other factors can play a role, too. One of the most common causes of skin irritation during the winter is hot showers, per Portela and Dr. Graf. Despite how luxurious hot showers feel at the height of winter, they remove necessary oils from your skin — and thus, strip it of essential moisture.

There's a genetic component as well. "Another form of a winter rash is called cold urticaria, an allergic reaction to the cold, which manifests as hives, causing welts and blisters," says Dr. Alexiades. "The body's natural defenses release histamine and other chemicals, which attack healthy tissue for unknown reasons."

If you have a history of skin sensitivities, you're more likely to experience a winter rash, says Graf. That's because cold weather is a common trigger in people with eczema and rosacea, per the Cleveland Clinic. Likewise, one of the causes of a psoriasis flare is due to changes in body temperature from the weather, the Cleveland Clinic notes.

How Can I Prevent a Winter Rash?

For winter rash prevention, board-certified dermatologists recommend the following:

Make Over Your Shower Routine

Namely, limit shower time and turn the water temperature down to a warm but comfortable degree, says Portela. Also, use soap or body wash sparingly, "only on the armpits, groin, and buttocks, and simply allow the water to run over other areas," notes Portela. "These habits will be less harsh on sensitive skin."

After the shower or bath, apply a fragrance-free moisturizer to damp skin to better lock in the hydration, Portela adds.

Be Mindful of What You Wear

Prioritize soft and breathable clothing, such as 100 percent cotton, says Graf. “Other materials like wool and cashmere aren’t necessarily off limits, but wool can be particularly irritating to dry and sensitive skin because it tends to be itchier on the skin. Cashmere is typically a less irritating fabric because it is less itchy than other wools and hypoallergenic.”

Don’t worry: Dermatologists don’t expect you to abandon your wool sweaters completely. “If you’ll be wearing a wool sweater to keep warm in the winter, I recommend layering a thin cotton tank or T-shirt underneath,” says Graf. This will “create a barrier between your skin and any irritation from the fabric.”

Keep Indoor Air Moist

Run a humidifier in the house to help increase the humidity and, thus, prevent indoor skin dryness, says Portela.

Reconsider Your Skin-Care Routine

Limit exfoliation of your face and body, as over-exfoliation can dry out your skin even more, and consider swapping your current face moisturizer with a richer formula, such as a cream. "A lightweight or gel formula may not be moisturizing enough for skin that needs extra nourishment in cold and windy climates," warns Graf. "Water-based formulas evaporate more quickly and won't have the long-lasting hydrating effect you're looking for. A thicker, oil-based cream will last longer on the skin."

If I Get a Winter Rash, How Can I Soothe My Skin and Get Rid of It?

"Hydration is key if someone experiences a winter rash," says Alexiades. "I recommend using an unscented, sensitive skin body lotion cleanser and applying a rich body moisturizer twice daily to regain the moisture the area needs," she continues, adding that if the area is itchy, your provider may recommend hydrocortisone cream and take an oral antihistamine, such as Benadryl.

"In severe circumstances, prescription creams may be needed to decrease inflammation and itching," says Portela. Do yourself a favor and follow the tips in the prevention section. “Make sure to hydrate the skin after bathing with a thick cream and avoid unnecessary dyes or fragrances in your skin care,” Portela adds.

As for lifestyle changes that can help treat an existing winter rash, Alexiades recommends sleeping with a humidifier at night, "especially during the winter months," she says. Doing so adds moisture back into the air, which can make a "big difference in the hydration of our skin."

Summary

A winter rash is a general term that may require a visit to your dermatologist to determine a specific diagnosis and the right course of action, whether you're treating a rosacea flareup, contact dermatitis, or something else. To decrease your risk of developing a winter rash, take preventive steps such as using fragrance-free moisturizer, reducing your hot shower time, and investing in a humidifier.