Why Winter Makes Eczema Worse — And What Actually Helps (Clinically Proven, Practical Tips)

Why Winter Makes Eczema Worse — And What Actually Helps (Clinically Proven, Practical Tips)

Why Winter Makes Eczema Worse — And What Actually Helps (Clinically Proven, Practical Tips)

By Dr. Timothy J. Kang, L.Ac, PhD, CFMP | NYC Total Health – Integrative Functional Medicine & Acupuncture

Winter is one of the most challenging seasons for people with eczema.
Colder temperatures, harsh wind, and dry indoor heating all work together to weaken the skin barrier and trigger flare-ups. Many of my own patients start to experience more redness, nighttime itching, and skin sensitivity as soon as the weather shifts.

The good news is that there are simple, clinically practical steps that truly help — not theoretical ideas, but things I consistently see make a measurable difference for real patients.

This article focuses on what I find works consistently in my practice:
✔ two single-herb teas that reduce skin heat and irritation
✔ clothing strategies that protect the skin barrier
✔ and why “cooling smoothies” still help even in winter

These steps are easy, affordable, and highly effective when used daily.

1. Two Herbal Teas I Recommend Often for Eczema Relief

Many eczema flare-ups are driven by internal heat, inflammation, and irritation under the skin, not just dryness.
In my clinical experience, these two single herbs are gentle, safe for most adults, and very effective at calming the skin.

✔ Honeysuckle Flower Tea 

Honeysuckle flower is one of the most reliable herbs for patients who deal with:

  • recurring redness

  • heat sensation under the skin

  • inflammatory-type itching

  • nighttime flare-ups

It has a naturally cooling property and helps clear heat while soothing irritation.

How to prepare:
1–2 teaspoons dried honeysuckle
Hot water, steep 10 minutes
Drink 1–2 times per day

Many patients report that their skin feels calmer within a few days when using this consistently.

✔ Chrysanthemum Flower Tea 

Chrysanthemum is excellent for people who feel:

  • heat rising into the face, scalp, or neck

  • irritation near the eyes

  • “hot itching” at night

It’s gentle, tastes mild, and pairs well with honeysuckle if needed.

How to prepare:
3–5 whole flowers
Steep 5–7 minutes
Safe as a daily tea

In my practice, this is particularly helpful for evening symptoms or for patients who notice heat in their upper body.

2. The Right Nightwear Makes a Bigger Difference Than People Realize

This is an area many eczema patients overlook, but it’s one of the quickest ways to reduce flare-ups.

Thick cotton, wool, fleece, and rough fabrics can cause:

  • heat buildup under the blankets

  • micro-friction on the skin

  • worsening nighttime itching

  • dryness and irritation

For eczema patients, soft, silky, cooling nightwear is not a luxury — it’s part of the treatment plan.

Silky or smooth fabrics help by:

  • reducing irritation

  • lowering heat accumulation

  • preventing nighttime scratching

  • supporting skin healing overnight

Several of my patients experience immediate improvement in sleep quality and itching just by changing their pajamas and bedding texture.

This is one of the most practical, underrated strategies I recommend during winter.

3. Yes — Cooling Smoothies Still Help in Winter

Many people assume cold drinks worsen eczema, but that’s not true for most patients.

Because eczema often involves internal heat, cooling ingredients actually help stabilize the skin, even during cold weather.
You don’t need an ice-cold drink — room temperature is fine.

I encourage patients to use gentle cooling ingredients such as:

  • celery

  • apple

  • banana

  • cucumber

  • spinach

  • chia seeds or flaxseed

  • coconut water

These support hydration from within and help settle inflammatory heat patterns.
It’s a simple tool that often produces noticeable benefits when used consistently.

4. Hydration Must Happen Both Inside and Outside

Most people rely only on lotions during winter, but eczema needs a dual strategy:

✔ Internal hydration

(herbal teas, water + electrolytes, hydrating foods)

✔ External protection

(silky clothing, emollient moisturizers, humidity control)

When both are addressed together, the skin barrier strengthens quickly.
This is something I see over and over with my eczema patients — improvement always comes faster when internal cooling + external protection are combined.

Creating a Winter Routine That Actually Works

Winter eczema can feel overwhelming, but the routine that makes the biggest difference is surprisingly simple:

  • Drink honeysuckle tea or chrysanthemum tea daily

  • Wear silky, cooling material at night

  • Add gentle cooling smoothies, even in winter

  • Hydrate both internally and externally

  • Reduce heat buildup in clothing and bedding

These are small steps, but they are clinically practical strategies that genuinely help calm inflammation and support the skin barrier.