In this blog, we’ll explore the reasons why eczema tends to worsen in winter, and how you can manage it from the comfort of your home with support from an online GP, telehealth services, and even get a doctor’s certificate without stepping outside.
1. Dry Air and Indoor Heating
In winter, the ambient humidity in the air drops significantly. Cold air can’t hold as much moisture as warm air, and that means the environment around you — especially outdoors — becomes drier. When you're exposed to dry air, your skin loses moisture more rapidly through a process called transepidermal water loss, leaving it dehydrated and more prone to cracking or flaking.
To make matters worse, indoor heating systems — such as reverse-cycle air conditioning, space heaters, and radiators — suck even more moisture out of the air. The result? A double dose of dryness that strips the skin of its natural oils and weakens its barrier function, making eczema flare-ups much more likely.
2. Hot Showers and Baths
It’s tempting to take long, steamy showers when it’s cold outside, but hot water can do serious damage to already sensitive, eczema-prone skin. The high temperature of the water washes away natural skin oils, which are essential for retaining moisture and protecting against irritants.
Prolonged exposure to hot water also disrupts the skin's lipid layer, causing increased water loss and skin barrier dysfunction — two key contributors to eczema flares. If you experience tightness, itching, or redness after a shower, it’s a sign the water may be too hot.
👉 What to do instead: Keep showers lukewarm, short (under 10 minutes), and immediately apply a thick, fragrance-free moisturiser or ointment to lock in hydration.
3. Layered Clothing and Fabric Irritants
Winter wardrobes often include wool, fleece, or synthetic fabrics — materials that can be abrasive and irritating to eczema-prone skin. These fabrics can trigger itching or even lead to small skin tears, worsening inflammation.
Additionally, wearing multiple layers to stay warm can trap sweat and heat against your skin. This creates a moist, warm environment that can increase itching and inflammation, especially in eczema-prone areas like the backs of knees, elbows, and underarms.
👉 Tip: Choose soft, breathable fabrics like cotton or bamboo, and wear them as the first layer against your skin. Avoid overdressing and remove extra layers when indoors to prevent overheating and sweating.
4. Weakened Skin Barrier Function
People with eczema already have a compromised skin barrier, which means their skin has a harder time retaining moisture and protecting against allergens, irritants, and microbes. During winter, this barrier is further weakened due to cold winds, low humidity, and physical stress from rubbing or scratching dry skin.
A weakened barrier leads to what's known as the "itch-scratch cycle" — where dryness causes itching, scratching causes more skin damage, and more damage causes more inflammation. This cycle becomes more aggressive in winter, especially if the skin isn’t adequately protected or moisturised.
Bonus Factor: Less Sunlight Exposure
Reduced exposure to sunlight in winter may also contribute to eczema flares. Natural sunlight can have a mild anti-inflammatory effect on the skin, and some people with eczema benefit from controlled UV exposure (under medical supervision). Less time outdoors may remove this benefit during winter.
Tips to Manage Winter Eczema Flares
- Moisturise frequently with thick, emollient creams.
- Avoid wool and tight clothing — choose breathable cotton.
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to indoor air.
- Limit shower time to under 10 minutes and pat skin dry gently.
- Book a doctor appointment online for tailored advice or prescriptions.
Need Medical Help for Eczema? Try Telehealth Options
Thanks to telehealth, managing eczema in winter has never been easier. You can dial a doctor, get an online GP consultation, or even speak to an Australian doctor by phone call — all without leaving your home.
If your eczema flare-up is severe, you may need a prescription for topical steroids or antihistamines. Through services like Hola Health, you can get an online Rx prescription, a GP medical certificate, or even a 24-hour doctor consultation with fast turnaround.
Can I Get a Medical Certificate for Eczema Online?
Yes, if eczema is impacting your ability to work or study, you can request a telehealth medical certificate or sick certificate online. Simply have a quick GP online chat or phone consult to discuss your condition. You’ll receive a valid Australian doctors certificate delivered to your inbox, usually within minutes.
Whether you need a home doctor, an after-hours GP, or a quick doctors note for work, these services are available across Australia, including regional and remote areas.
Final Thoughts
Eczema can be particularly frustrating during the winter months, but you're not alone — and you don’t have to suffer through it without support. By understanding your triggers, maintaining a strong skincare routine, and seeking medical advice through accessible online doctor platforms, you can better manage your symptoms and reduce flare-ups.
If you need help today, consider booking a quick telehealth consultation and get expert advice or a prescription without the wait. Managing eczema in winter is easier when you have the right support — and it's just a click or call away.
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